A little like old times

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- This is why Theairra Taylor stuck with it, why she kept coming back.

A junior beset by knee injuries (she suffered an ACL tear in high school, then two more in college), Taylor posted a season-high 14 points in Iowa's 84-74 loss to California in an NCAA women's basketball tournament first-round game Sunday afternoon at the Joyce Center.

"I'm so excited that Theairra had that kind of game (today)," said Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder. "I remember a year ago, I told her, 'If you don't want to play any more, I understand.' "

But Taylor felt she could come back one more time and contribute.

Sunday, she made 6 of 7 shots from the field, including a 3-pointer. She added six rebounds.

"Practice just seemed a little different this week," Taylor said. "I just feel I gained a lot of confidence."

And Sunday may have provided a boost that Taylor needs heading into her senior season -- provided she stays healthy. Her 26 minutes of action was the most extensive stint of the season.

After California missed three straight shots on a first-half possession, Taylor came up with a loose ball, drove it all the way and scored while drawing a foul. That put Iowa in front, 15-11, matching the Hawkeyes' largest lead of the game.

It soon unraveled for the Hawkeyes after that.

California went on a 16-2 run to turn a 19-16 deficit into a 32-21 lead. Taylor's basket got Iowa within 34-29, then Cal led 42-33 at the half.

"It was a pretty physical game," said Taylor, who scored seven points in each half. "The ball didn't bounce our way."