Iowa City, Iowa — Southern University women's basketball opened its 2025-26 campaign with a tough road test at No. 21 Iowa, hanging close early before the Hawkeyes pulled away for an 86–51 win on Monday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The Jaguars came out fearless, trading blows and leading 15–14 after the first quarter, thanks to four made threes and active hands on defense. But Iowa's size and efficiency in the paint swung momentum over the next two quarters, where the Hawkeyes outscored Southern 46–25.
Junior forward Zaria Hurston led SU with 14 points and four rebounds, while Jaylia Reed added 9 points — all from beyond the arc. Mykayla Cunningham sparked the defensive effort with five steals and four assists.
Despite the final margin, head coach Carlos Funchess saw positives from his team's fight. "We showed what we're capable of in stretches," Funchess said. "Now we've got to sustain it — and we will."
Rebounding was the decisive factor: Iowa controlled the glass 52–21 and converted 18 second-chance points. The Hawkeyes also dominated inside with 48 points in the paint and shot 51.7% from the floor.
Southern, meanwhile, cooled after its hot first quarter, finishing 32.1% overall and 8-for-17 at the free-throw line. The Jaguars did produce 25 points off turnovers, one of the bright spots they look to build upon heading into Game 2.
By the Numbers
Points in the Paint: Iowa 48, Southern 16
Rebounding Margin: +31 Iowa
Turnovers Forced: 22 by Southern
Bench Points: Iowa 26, Southern 15
First-Quarter Score: Southern 15–14
Keys to the Game
Perimeter shooting by Iowa — The Hawkeyes' ability to drain 3-pointers (18 in all) gave them control and margin. Southern's defense couldn't sufficiently contest from deep.
Balanced scoring vs. reliance — Iowa featured multiple double-digit scorers and shared the load. Southern had some bright spots (e.g., AJ Barnes with 14 points) but couldn't match the depth.
Start and momentum — Iowa seized an early lead and maintained it. Though Southern made a late push, the early deficit and Iowa's lead carried through.
Closing the gap too late — The 10-0 run by Southern showed fight, but it was after Iowa had built enough separation. A stronger start or steadier middle could have made the difference.
Efficiency and making shots when it counted — While Southern shot respectably (47.7%), Iowa's higher field-goal percentage (53.3%) and volume from 3's made the difference in a race where every extra bucket mattered.
Quick Takeaway
Southern flashed strong energy and perimeter shooting early, but competing against a Top-25 team on the road exposed areas for growth — especially rebounding, interior defense, and maintaining offensive efficiency over 40 minutes.
Next Up: Showdown with Iowa State in Ames
There's no time to dwell on the opener — the Jaguars remain in the state of Iowa for another Power Five match-up, visiting Iowa State on Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum.
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