Super Bowl Champ in the House for Iowa’s Gut-Wrenching Loss to UCLA

Iowa vs. UCLA: Hawkeyes Face Tough Battle in Pink Out Game

Carver-Hawkeye Arena hosted nearly 14,000 fans during the Iowa Hawkeyes Pink Out Game on Sunday, February 23rd.

The Iowa Women's Basketball team took on #3 UCLA in an electric nail biter matchup.

A beloved former Hawkeye also made his return to the campus to watch the game.

Iowa Takes on UCLA During Pink Out Game

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Normally, all of Carver-Hawkeye Arena would be covered in fans wearing the Iowa black and gold. During this game against UCLA, the entire arena donned some sort of pink.

From fans wearing pink t-shirts, to UCLA wearing pink shoes and socks, to the Iowa Hawkeyes wearing pink jerseys; everyone was pinked out.

Even RAYGUN created pink shirts specifically for this matchup.

All of this was done to honor Breast Cancer and cancer survivors. Each Iowa player wore special pink jerseys during this game, and instead of their last name, on the back each student had their "why."

The name of someone that they love who had to fight cancer.

Some of those "whys" were in the house that afternoon. Each player walked out onto the court with a Breast Cancer survivor

Senior Lucy Olsen walked out with her mom, a two-time breast cancer survivor.

Back-and-Forth Battle in the First Half

Iowa Closes the Gap After Slow Start

Fans knew this wasn't going to be an easy matchup. This sold out crowd expected the game to be a bit of a battle.

UCLA got a short lead in the start of the game, but things were starting to turn around when #45 Hannah Stuelke made the first basket of the game for the Hawkeyes.

After some fantastic plays from Aaliyah Guyton and Lucy Olsen in the first quarter, the Hawkeyes were able to close the gap.

It got even closer when Olsen sunk a three at the buzzer ending the first quarter of the game. UCLA still led 14-12 at this point.

Iowa Gains Momentum Before Halftime

The second quarter might've been some of the best playing from Iowa all game. This was the period where Iowa put up some points to tie with the Bruins.

It was a constant back and forth, and battle for dominance.

Junior Taylor McCabe made some serious impact on the game. She scored a field goal and then almost immediately got her hands back on the ball to score a three-pointer.

This moment of play gave Iowa a short lead.

By the end of the half, Iowa maintained this energy and came out ahead with 36-29 against UCLA.

Super Bowl Champion Cooper DeJean Returns to Iowa

Hawkeye Fans Welcome DeJean with Open Arms

Before the game even started, I could feel a shift in the energy in the arena when one man sat down directly opposite me on the other side of the stadium.

As he got into his seat that was practically courtside, I heard the arena erupt with noise.

At first, I thought they were booing him, but it turned out everyone was shouting "COOOOOOOOP!"

Former Iowa Hawkeye and current Super Bowl Champion from the Philadelphia Eagles Cooper DeJean had returned to his alma mater.

DeJean Reflects on His Iowa Roots

At the half, DeJean was brought out onto the court for a brief interview. It was his first sporting event back after graduating last spring and being drafted to the Eagles.

The Iowa native played a crucial role in the 59th Super Bowl. He scored a Pick Six in his very first championship appearance in the NFL.

He owes all of his success to his Iowa roots.

"I wouldn't be the player I am today without coming to the University of Iowa," the 22-year-old said over the cheers of Hawkeye fans.

He also took a moment to acknowledge the passionate Iowa fanbase, especially in support of women’s basketball.

"...what Iowa fans do for women's sports, for women's basketball, is amazing...we appreciate you guys!"

Iowa Falls to UCLA in a Heart-Pounding Finish

Final Seconds Decide the Game

The second half saw Iowa working hard to maintain their lead against the Bruins. UCLA and Iowa were tied by the end of the third quarter.

During the final ten minutes, Hawkeye fans were sitting at the edge of their seats watching the two teams battle for the win.

With seven seconds left on the clock, Iowa and UCLA were tied again 65-65.

UCLA Seals the Victory

UCLA's Elina Aarnisalo made two free throws with less than four seconds left on the clock to secure a win for the Bruins.

While it was a heartbreaking loss, this Big Ten matchup saw stellar performances from both teams.

Iowa is off to play Michigan this Wednesday.

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