Iowa women's basketball set for pair of closed scrimmages

As the 2026-27 Iowa women's basketball season approaches, the Hawkeyes will see a pair of different teams before their exhibition date against Maryville on Thursday, Oct. 29.

Per Hawkeye Report's Kyle Huesmann, Iowa has a pair of upcoming closed scrimmages against Oklahoma State and Lindenwood.

“I'm telling you, we are so ready to play anybody than our male practice squad. We've got some pretty good shooters, and they've been shooting lights out. We know each other's play so well. So we're getting into the stage where we'll have private scrimmages and exhibitions. I'm excited to take that next step forward,” Iowa head women's basketball coach Jan Jensen said during the Hawkeyes' media day press conference earlier this week.

Iowa WBB will face Oklahoma State and Lindenwood in a pair of closed scrimmages this preseason.

They'll play a public exhibition against DII Maryville on October 29th.

— Kyle Huesmann (@HuesmannKyle) October 13, 2026

While the scrimmages will be closed to the public, the matchups will give Jensen and the Iowa coaching staff valuable information on potential lineup construction, in-game situational decision-making, and overall pace of play.

“I have liked this group's togetherness. I've told them since the very beginning that I think a true ticket to any team's success is how together they are, but also how other-centered they are. When you have a team that's willing to pass the ball literally in every realm, I think that's when you have the capability to reach the greatest of heights.

"What I've seen from this team in the summer and certainly into the fall is they're willing to pass that ball. They're willing to learn from each other. They're willing to push each other. They're willing to hold each other accountable. So that's exciting for me," Jensen said of her group.

After its exhibition against Maryville, Iowa opens the 2026-27 regular season against Towson on Monday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. CT inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.