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Takeaways: Megan Gustafson’s big night leads Iowa to Big Ten title

By Blake DuDonis

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 10: Megan Gustafson #10 of the Iowa Hawkeyes drives to the basket while being guarded by Shakira Austin #1 of the Maryland Terrapins during the first half of the Big 10 Women's Championship Game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 10, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 10: Megan Gustafson #10 of the Iowa Hawkeyes drives to the basket while being guarded by Shakira Austin #1 of the Maryland Terrapins during the first half of the Big 10 Women's Championship Game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 10, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Unstoppable Gustafson, champion Hawkeyes

When playing against Iowa, teams have one of two choices to make: let Megan Gustafson get hers and stop everyone else, or try to slow her down and let her other teammates try to beat you. Maryland, it would appear, chose option number one.

It did not work.

The Big Ten Player of the Year saved perhaps her best performance for last, scoring 45 points to lead Iowa to their first Big Ten tournament title since 2001, 90-76.

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The single coverage defense by Maryland on Gustafson led to a post moves clinic by the senior. On the occasions that Maryland sent a double team, Iowa’s perimeter players showed machine-like precision in their movements, creating open passing lanes and knocking down big shots.

Though the story is rightfully focused on Gustafson and Iowa, Maryland saw their star show up in a big way as well. Kaila Charles recorded 36 points, but the rest of the roster wasn’t able to follow suit. No other Maryland players reached double figures, while Gustafson’s efficiency limited how much Maryland could run off of missed shots.

Iowa is now 26-6 on the season and this puts them in position to snag a two seed in the NCAA tournament, while the loss drops Maryland 28-4 and a likely three seed. This marks the second time Iowa has defeated the Terps in as many tries, the only team to not suffer a loss against them this season.

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