BROOKLYN, New York – The nationally ranked University of Iowa women’s basketball team fell to Tennessee, 78-68, at the Shark Beauty Women’s Champions Classic on Saturday night. The Hawkeyes are now 8-1 on the season.

In the first quarter, Tennessee jumped out to an 8-0 lead within the first few minutes, but the Hawkeyes answered after committing five turnovers. Iowa had the game tied at 10 at the first media timeout. Lucy Olsen recorded a game-high 11 points to give the Hawkeyes a 22-18 lead after the first 10 minutes of action.

In the second quarter, it was a balanced effort for the Hawkeyes. With Addi O’Grady and Olsen sidelined with foul trouble, Iowa held serve with efficiency from junior forward, Hannah Stuelke. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native, contributed seven points, a game-high six rebounds, and three assists in the first 20 minutes. Iowa and Tennessee were tied at 35 at halftime despite the Hawkeyes offense turning it over 18 times. 23 of the Lady Vols’ 35 points were provided by Iowa turnovers.

In the third quarter, Iowa did a better job protecting the ball only committing five turnovers. The game was back and forth in the period, but Tennessee regained the edge, 55-52. Olsen led all scorers with 19 points and was a perfect 9-for-9 from the charity stripe through three.

In the final frame, Tennessee’s defense continued to give Iowa fits. The Lady Vols closed the game on an 11-1 run over the last three minutes. Olsen and O’Grady combined for 40 of Iowa’s total points.

UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes will return home to host #20/19 Iowa State in the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 8 p.m. (CT) inside a sold-out Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The game is set to broadcast on FS1 and the Hawkeye Radio Network.