Iowa Women Beat Eastern Illinois 80-39
Iowa won its second game of the season at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, with pediatric cancer patients and a Dance Marathon family taking part in the night's events.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Basketball
The Iowa women's basketball team defeated Eastern Illinois 80-39 on Thursday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. Five pediatric cancer patients ran onto the court with the team before the game, and at halftime Dance Marathon brought Adeline Lovell and her family onto the floor.
Why it matters
The halftime appearance gave Dance Marathon, a student organization, a public platform to share a family's experience with childhood cancer. Fans responded by holding up signs naming the people they are fighting for.
Iowa's 80-39 win over Eastern Illinois was its second of the season, and five pediatric cancer patients ran onto the court with the team before tip-off. The source does not report individual player statistics or Iowa's full season record.
The players
Dance Marathon
Dance Marathon is a student organization at the University of Iowa that raises funds and awareness for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Adeline Lovell
Adeline Lovell is an eight-year-old pediatric cancer patient diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2022, whose family was featured at halftime.
The details
Before the game, five pediatric cancer patients ran out with the Iowa players. At halftime, Dance Marathon brought Adeline Lovell, an eight-year-old diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2022, and her family onto the court to share their story. Afterward, fans held up signs saying who they are fighting for, and some children said they were excited to meet their favorite players.
Timeline
2022: Adeline Lovell is diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Iowa defeats Eastern Illinois 80-39 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
January: Dance Marathon plans a similar event when Iowa men's basketball hosts Wisconsin.
Season Trajectory
The win extends Iowa's early-season run, though the source offers no standings or playoff context beyond the team's second victory. The halftime segment fits a broader pattern of college programs using game-day broadcasts to spotlight community philanthropy tied to Dance Marathon events.
Fans attending Iowa home games can expect Dance Marathon-related pregame and halftime segments to continue at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The source does not describe changes to ticketing, scheduling, or broadcast arrangements.
The takeaway
Community events that put a patient's story on a live game floor can turn a sporting night into a fundraising and awareness moment. Readers who want to support similar efforts can look for their local Dance Marathon chapter.
What happens next
Dance Marathon plans a similar halftime event when Iowa men's basketball hosts Wisconsin in January.
Further reading
Explore more Basketball coverage for Iowa City.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KGAN.
