What It Takes: Iowa takes round of 64 victory over FDU

IOWA CITY, Iowa.— The Iowa vs FDU matchup truly highlighted the difference between simply making the tournament and controlling it. A gap that programs like Arizona State are still working to overcome.

Quality over quantity

ASU continues to chase consistency under pressure. However, Iowa never appeared rushed, responding to every run with a composed and calm offense. Those are qualities of a good team that have the potential to go far in this tournament.

Iowa controlled the details, limiting second-chance opportunities, protecting the ball and consistently winning possessions. For ASU, those areas have lots of room for growth, particularly against high-ranked opponents, where missed opportunities can quickly cost you the game.

FDU found itself in a position familiar to the ASU’s in their matchup against UVA. The Knights showed moments of aggressiveness, attacking the basket and creating brief momentum, but struggled to sustain it. The lead was within reach but kept slipping away.

“They do a really good job of hitting those threes and so they can make up pretty big deficits pretty darn quick,” Iowa sophomore center Ava Heiden said.

Against a team like Iowa, those small pockets of momentum weren’t going to be enough to bring home the win, but they were enough to keep it close. 

How to seal the deal

From the opening tip, Iowa dictated the tempo, the kind of control programs like ASU are still working to establish. The Hawkeyes executed efficiently in the paint, moved the ball with purpose and capitalized on rebounds to build an early advantage.

Something that is not talked about enough is having a great team with amazing talent, as well as a great coaching staff. Iowa head coach Jan Jensen and ASU head coach Molly Miller are both amazing, strong female head coaches.

Jensen not only motivated her team but also engaged with the crowd. She had her teams back, engaging on the sideline and was with her team every step of the way. It played a big part in this game and sealing the 58-48 Hawkeyes’ victory.

“I’m just so grateful for our crowd,” Jensen said. “It’s so fun to have them with us every step of the way.”

The Sun Devils have a young program with phenomenal players and such a great staff. The biggest thing with this team is that they’re willing to reflect and grow into so much more.