Jan Jensen: ‘If we (beat Purdue), it makes Sunday what we want it to be’

IOWA CITY — Sunday, that could be one of THOSE days at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Top-10 Michigan. Senior Day. High decibels. High emotion. You know the drill.

But first, Purdue.

“The most important game that we’re going to play is Thursday night, because if we get that one, it makes Sunday what we want it to be,” Iowa women’s basketball coach Jan Jensen said Wednesday.

No. 13 Iowa (20-5 overall, 11-3 Big Ten) faces Purdue (4-10, 12-13) at 6 p.m. (CT) Thursday at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind.

The Hawkeyes — apparently revitalized after that recent three-game skid — will be heavily favored.

But still ...

“It would be a mistake for anybody to think this is going to be an easy one,” Jensen said. “Should we win? Of course. A ranked team should win. I’m confident, but I’m also respectful.”

Iowa is coming off back-to-back feel-good wins against Washington and Nebraska. Four games remain, including that showdown Sunday with the Wolverines, current tenants of second place in the Big Ten.

“The seniors, that hourglass, that sand seems to be going a lot faster now,” Jensen said.

Purdue presents a unique challenge. In short, the Boilers are tall.

“They have some very big ‘bigs,’” Jensen said, alluding to Avery Gordon (6-foot-7), Lana McCarthy (6-4) and Kendall Puryear (6-3).

“It’s just a different look they give people.“

Iowa’s counter, Ava Heiden is coming off a 27-point gem at Nebraska on Monday, a game in which she converted 12 of 15 shots.

“I’ve really challenged her; she’s earned the right to have a little bit more of a bigger voice, even though that hasn’t been her strongest point, leading with her voice,” Jensen said.

“Ava’s game was really great at Nebraska. We need an inside/outside presence. When everybody gets it going at the same time, it makes us hard to guard.”

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com