Event Preview
Overview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are set to host the No. 12 Iowa Hawkeyes in a pivotal Big Ten women's basketball matchup on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM Central Time (6:00 PM Eastern Time) at Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. This game marks the conference opener for both teams and carries significant implications for their standings in the Big Ten. Iowa enters the contest with an undefeated record, aiming to extend their winning streak, while Rutgers seeks to make a strong statement in their conference debut.
Season Snapshot
Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes have been dominant this season, boasting an 8-0 record as of early December. Their impressive start mirrors their performance from the previous year, where they also began with an 8-0 record. Key contributors include Ava Heiden, who leads the team with 16.0 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, and Taylor McCabe, who has been efficient from beyond the arc, hitting 12 of 25 three-pointers (48%) in the past three games. (thegazette.com)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers enters the game with a 7-2 record, showcasing a strong start to their season. Nene Ndiaye has been a standout player, leading the team with an average of 16.9 points per game, including three games over 20 points. (bvmsports.com) The Scarlet Knights are looking to build on this momentum as they begin their Big Ten campaign.
Recent Form
Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes have maintained their perfect record, with their most recent victory being a decisive 103-69 win over Rutgers on January 5, 2024. (espn.com) Their consistent performance has solidified their position as one of the top teams in the conference.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers has shown resilience, bouncing back from a challenging season opener to secure multiple wins. Their recent performances indicate a team that is finding its rhythm and is poised to make an impact in the Big Ten.
Talking Points
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Iowa's Unbeaten Streak: Can the Hawkeyes continue their perfect start to the season against a formidable Rutgers team?
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Rutgers' Conference Debut: How will the Scarlet Knights fare in their first Big Ten game of the season?
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Key Player Matchups: The battle between Iowa's Ava Heiden and Rutgers' Nene Ndiaye could be pivotal.
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Coaching Strategies: How will Iowa's Lisa Bluder and Rutgers' associate head coach Shannon LeBeauf approach this high-stakes matchup?
Players to Watch
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Ava Heiden (Iowa): Leading the Hawkeyes with 16.0 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, Heiden's presence in the paint will be crucial. (thegazette.com)
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Nene Ndiaye (Rutgers): The Scarlet Knights' leading scorer with 16.9 points per game, Ndiaye has been a consistent offensive threat. (bvmsports.com)
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Taylor McCabe (Iowa): Known for her sharpshooting, McCabe's ability to stretch the floor will be key for the Hawkeyes. (thegazette.com)
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Shannon LeBeauf (Rutgers): As associate head coach, LeBeauf's experience and strategic acumen will be vital in guiding the Scarlet Knights.
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Inside Presence: Iowa's Ava Heiden versus Rutgers' Nene Ndiaye will be a critical battle in the paint, potentially determining the game's outcome.
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Perimeter Shooting: Iowa's Taylor McCabe's three-point shooting could challenge Rutgers' perimeter defense, adding a dynamic element to the game.
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Coaching Duel: The strategic approaches of Lisa Bluder and Shannon LeBeauf will be instrumental in shaping the game's tempo and style.
Fun Facts
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Iowa has won five straight games against Rutgers, including a 103-69 victory on January 5, 2024. (espn.com)
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The Hawkeyes are aiming for their second consecutive 8-0 start to the season. (thegazette.com)
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Rutgers' Nene Ndiaye has scored over 20 points in three games this season. (bvmsports.com)
Things to Chirp About
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"Can Iowa keep their perfect record intact against Rutgers?"
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"Will Nene Ndiaye continue her scoring spree in the Big Ten opener?"
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"How will Taylor McCabe's three-point shooting impact the game?"
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"What strategies will Lisa Bluder employ to counter Rutgers' offense?"
Prediction
While both teams have shown strong performances this season, Iowa's undefeated record and home-court advantage make them slight favorites in this matchup. However, Rutgers' recent form and the presence of standout players like Nene Ndiaye suggest they will put up a formidable challenge. The game is expected to be closely contested, with Iowa potentially edging out a victory in the final moments.