Hawkeyes, Bluejays in LA for I-80 showdown
LOS ANGELES — Two women’s basketball teams had to fly to Los Angeles for the first round of the NCAA Tournament, even though they’re only a three-hour drive from each other’s home arenas: sixth-seeded Iowa (24-7) and 11th-seeded Creighton (18-12).
“I saw a tweet that said something about, ‘Why don’t you two just meet halfway in Des Moines?'” Creighton forward Jaylyn Agnew said. “But I think it’s fun that we are able to come out here and play them.”
The Hawkeyes and Bluejays are familiar with each other from annual preseason scrimmages, although the two teams have not officially met on the court since the 2006-07 season, when Iowa won 75-69. The Hawkeyes lead the series 7-5.
“It’s a great opportunity to come out here and play in this venue,” Bluejays coach Jim Flanery said. “It’s pretty special.”
WOODEN’S LEGACY: Two players in the Los Angeles subregional are up for the John Wooden award, commemorating the renowned UCLA coach. UCLA senior Jordin Canada is nominated as well as University of Iowa junior Megan Gustafson, who was named Big Ten Conference Player of the Year.