Preview: Michigan at Iowa in Top-10 Big Ten Showdown IOWA CITY, Iowa (Interstat) — A pivotal late-season clash with Big Ten title implications is set for Sunday when the Michigan women’s basketball team visits Iowa at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Wolverines (22-4, 13-2 Big Ten) and Hawkeyes (21-5, 12-3) enter separated by just one game in the conference standings, making this a potential decider for the regular-season championship. Michigan brings a six-game winning streak into the contest, while Iowa has won three straight. Michigan is led by star guard Olivia Olson, who has been on a dominant run. Over her last seven games, Olson is averaging 22.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists, including a 23-point, 8-rebound performance in an 86-65 win over Michigan State on Feb. 15. She is supported by a potent backcourt featuring Syla Swords (24 points vs. Michigan State) and Mila Holloway. The Hawkeyes counter with their own dynamic guard in Taylor Stremlow. She is coming off a 19-point, 8-assist effort in an 83-74 road win at Purdue on Thursday. Stremlow’s playmaking will be crucial against Michigan’s pressure defense. Iowa’s offense also flows through forward Ava Heiden, who scored 21 points against Purdue, and post presence Journey Houston. Recent history shows both teams playing high-scoring affairs. Michigan is averaging 82.1 points per game during its winning streak. Iowa has scored 80 or more points in three of its last five outings. However, both defenses will be tested; Michigan allows just 66.2 points per game, while Iowa concedes 71.2. The Hawkeyes will look to protect their home court, where they are 12-1 this season. Their only conference home loss was a 91-85 defeat to Minnesota on Feb. 5. Michigan boasts a strong 9-3 road record, with key victories at Michigan State and Indiana in January. This marks the only scheduled regular-season meeting between the teams. The outcome will heavily influence seeding for the upcoming Big Ten Tournament and solidify the winner’s resume for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.