Hawkeyes rule fourth quarter, pull away at Penn State, 80-68

(Note: This report was filed in Cedar Rapids)

Locked in a 55-55 stalemate after three quarters, 23rd-ranked Iowa ruled the fourth and pulled away from Penn State, 80-68, in a Big Ten women’s basketball game Wednesday afternoon at Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa.

The Hawkeyes (12-2 overall, 2-1 Big Ten) scored the first five points of the fourth quarter, led the rest of the way and defeated Penn State (9-5, 0-3) for the 11th consecutive time.

Taylor McCabe made 5 of 8 shots from 3-point range and led the Hawkeyes with 17 points.

Addison O’Grady added 16 points on 8-of-8 shooting. Hannah Stuelke tacked on 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Lucy Olsen celebrated her return to her home state with 11 points.

Penn State struck the first blow and led 24-15 after the first quarter. Iowa regrouped immediately and held a 38-36 halftime edge.

At 55-55, Teagan Mallegni opened the fourth quarter with a basket, then Sydney Affolter followed with a 3-pointer for a 60-55 Iowa lead.

The Lady Lions got within two points on a pair of occasions, but the Hawkeyes made seven of their last nine shots and ran away.

Penn State’s Gabby Elliott led all scorers with 32 points. Gracie Merkle added 13 points and 12 rebounds.

The Hawkeyes host No. 8 Maryland at 5 p.m. Sunday. Before the game, the career of Lisa Bluder will be celebrated.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com