Iowa

3 things to watch as No. 22 Iowa women’s basketball closes non-conference vs. UNI

Published

4 months ago

December 19, 2024

3 things to watch as No. 22 Iowa women’s basketball closes non-conference vs. UNI

IOWA CITY — After four days off for the always-tricky in-season finals week, No. 22 Iowa women’s basketball is back in action Friday for its last non-conference test of Jan Jensen’s inaugural season.

It’s an important one inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, where the Hawkeyes (9-2) will face Northern Iowa (5-5) for a chance at another proverbial “state title.” Iowa has already toppled Drake and Iowa State this season, eyeing yet another in-state sweep.

Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on BTN+. Here are three things to watch ahead of Friday’s matchup.

The in-state games have been in Iowa’s favor recently. Can the Hawkeyes finish off another sweep?

A win Friday would give Iowa its sixth in-state sweep in the last eight seasons, with its only neighborly losses in that timeframe coming at Iowa State in December 2021 and at UNI in November 2019. The Hawkeyes haven’t suffered an in-state loss at Carver-Hawkeye Arena since Dec. 19, 2006, against the Panthers (83-62).

That’s the only time UNI has won in Iowa City, an impressive streak for the Hawkeyes given how pesky these in-state foes can be. Panthers coach Tanya Warren has leaned even heavier recently on in-state talent, and plenty of high school overlap will be on display again Friday.

Even as Iowa ascended into premier status the last two seasons, no one inside the program ever diminished the importance of these in-state matchups. Another tense matchup is seemingly on deck.

“It wouldn’t be a big deal to be a state champ if you were walking away with it and winning all these games by ease,” Jensen said. “I think that’s what makes the state championship in the state of Iowa more fun.”

After late defensive struggles at Michigan State, can the Hawkeyes regroup with super scorer Maya McDermott on the other side?

While Sunday’s 68-66 loss at Michigan State looks like a game without defensive struggles, Iowa’s inability to get stops in the fourth quarter initiated its downfall on the road. Thirteen of the Spartans’ 19 fourth-quarter points came from one player, as Nyla Hampton came somewhat out of nowhere to ignite the Michigan State rally.

The Hawkeyes can’t afford a similar one-woman takeover on Friday. Because if one does materialize, it’ll likely be Maya McDermott spearheading the charge toward another in-state upset.

The fifth-year guard from Johnston is clearly operating with that inevitable end-of-career urgency. McDermott enters as the nation’s ninth-leading scorer (21.9 ppg) and ranks 21st overall in 3-point percentage (46.43% on 26-for-56). Her teammate Kayba Laube, another in-state player from Marion, sits ahead of McDermott at 52.17% from deep (36-for-69), good for fourth nationally. UNI has more than enough offensive firepower to make serious noise Friday.

McDermott has saved some of her most dominant performances for the Panthers’ toughest foes. She ignited the Iowa State stunner with 37 points on 14-for-21 shooting, went for 29 in a one-point loss to Auburn and put up 23 points in a near upset of Creighton. Not matter how rowdy Carver-Hawkeye Arena gets, McDermott won’t be intimidated one bit.

Can these Hawkeyes show the necessary maturity to conquer the always-tough game-before-Christmas-break situation?

Every college basketball coach in the country can see it coming, the full week off for Christmas that can be just as problematic as enjoyable if not handled correctly. The game before the break can become a problem even when there’s little on-paper to suggest it will be.

Even last season’s veteran Iowa squad with Caitlin Clark at the controls needed a half to warm up against an inferior foe before the break. Iowa’s 98-69 win over Loyola (Chicago) on Dec. 21, 2023 saw the Hawkeyes lead by only five at halftime before taking off in the third quarter. Lisa Bluder’s halftime blowup that day was featured prominently on the “Full Court Press” documentary that highlighted Clark’s senior season.

What happened last season obviously has no direct bearing on this season. But if a more experienced team against a worse opponent can get somewhat tripped up on the pre-holiday challenge, the current Hawkeyes squad could definitely encounter similar vibes.

Conquer this one, though, and Iowa gets a well-earned reset without any negative cloud over the off week. That’ll be productive with a head-first plunge into a tough Big Ten up next.

Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.

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Iowa

Obituary for Kenneth L. Kalb at Peosta

Published

17 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Press Room

Kenneth L. Kalb, 80, of Peosta, Iowa, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation for Ken will be held from 2 to 6 p.m., on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa, where a prayer service

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Iowa

Drake Relays: Iowa State’s Kiki Connell wins 3,000 steeplechase title

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2025

Press Room

Drake Relays: Iowa State’s Kiki Connell wins 3,000 steeplechase title

Kiki Connell becomes the second Iowa State woman to win a Drake 3,000 steeplechase title

Kiki Connell is grateful to Peter Smith for gifting her a Drake Relays winner’s flag. Her second Relays flag feels much more special, however.

The Iowa State redshirt senior pulled away from teammate Sheridan Wheeler over the final 600 meters to claim the Women’s Steeplechase Open title during the Thursday, April 24 Distance Carnival at Drake Stadium.

Connell shaved .97 of a second off her personal record from the Bryan Clay Invitational a week ago while running 10:16.83 over 3,000 meters and 28 barriers. Oregon’s Kendall Martin was a distant second in 10:20.71.

“On the drive here I said, ‘Blue Oval magic.’ Like it’s going to happen. I have a lot of people who love me here. I’m super appreciative of all my support. Words can’t describe it. I’m going to get emotional.

“I knew that Sheridan has better foot speed than me. At 600 to go, I was like, ‘You’re just going to have to send it right now or she’s going to catch you at the line. That was on a whim.”

Connell, who ran for Charles City in high school, becomes the second Iowa State woman to win a Drake 3,000 steeplechase title. The first was Abby Caldwell, a former Waverly-Shell Rock prep, in 2021.

Connell was surprised a year ago when Smith, a good friend and Cyclone teammate, promised he would win Connell a white winner’s flag at the Relays. The Iowa State All-American delivered when he anchored the Cyclones to a victory in the 4×800 university relay in 7:22.53.

Connell isn’t sure where she will put her new flag. She has her sights on an all-conference performance at the Big 12 meet and running well at NCAA prelims next month while taking a shot at breaking 10 minutes, like Caldwell.

“The 10 (minute) barrier is where we’ve been dreaming for the past two years,” Connell said. “Last year I broke my navicular (bone) and that took me out. The dream’s still there.”

Connell’s time in an Iowa State uniform is ending soon. She will be transferring to run for NCAA Division II Northwest Missouri State in August. Her fiance, Riley Witt, is the Bearcats’ 800-meter and 1,500 record holder. They will be getting married in August.

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Iowa

Iowa Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 Midday results for April 23, 2025

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2025

Press Room

The Iowa Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big with rewards ranging from $1,000 to millions. The most an Iowan has ever won from playing the lottery was $343 million in 2018 off the Powerball.

Don’t miss out on the winnings. Here’s a look at Wednesday, April 23, 2025, winning numbers for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from April 23 drawing

15-44-63-66-69, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick-3 numbers from April 23 drawing

Midday: 0-3-5

Evening: 3-3-7

Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick-4 numbers from April 23 drawing

Midday: 4-2-1-8

Evening: 4-9-6-6

Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from April 23 drawing

08-14-15-23-24, Lucky Ball: 15

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from April 23 drawing

18-24-34-40-42, Star Ball: 08, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from April 23 drawing

37-42-49-54-66, Powerball: 26

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Iowa Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 3 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 3 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 4 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 4 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

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