The Iowa Hawkeyes (6-0, 0-0 Big Ten) were back home at Carver-Hawkeye Arena after a successful tournament in Orlando last weekend.
The Hawkeyes had two tough games against No. 7 Baylor and Miami (FL) in the WBCA Showcase over the weekend, and came out on top in both.
After an upset win over Baylor and another quality win over Miami, the Hawkeyes were the biggest risers in the AP Top 25 poll, jumping eight spots from No. 19 to No. 11.
The Hawkeyes put that ranking on the line against the Western Illinois Leathernecks at home on Wednesday night.
Iowa entered the game without starting point guard Chit-Chat Wright and reserves Teagan Mallegni and Emely Rodriguez, and had only 11 players dressed.
Iowa had a sloppy start to the game, but overcame those early miscues to down the Leathernecks 86-69.
Freshman Addie Deal stepped up in an expanded role, leading the Hawkeyes in scoring with 17, and adding three rebounds and five assists.
Ava Heiden notched another double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, with Taylor McCabe adding 15 points.
Iowa showcased its depth in the win
Even though the Hawkeyes were missing three players, including starting point guard Chit-Chat Wright, they found a way to get the job done on Wednesday night.
Deal stepped up in a big way for the squad, scoring 17 points in 31 minutes off the bench.
Sophomore Callie Levine also gave the Hawkeyes some good minutes, adding six points and three rebounds in 14 minutes.
Everyone knew their roles and executed them to perfection on a night the team needed multiple different players to step up.
The freshman class keeps getting better
Addie Deal has garnered a ton of media attention over the offseason and through Iowa's first seven games, and rightly so.
However, Layla Hays and Journey Houston have also played key roles for the Hawkeyes to start the season.
Hays has become a solid backup for Heiden or forward Hannah Stuelke, and Houston can play either guard position or fill in at small forward.
They still have to learn how to play in the Big Ten, but to contribute so early on is a good sign for the program moving forward.
Next game: Sunday, November 30 vs. Fairfield (Noon CT)