IOWA CITY — Iowa women's basketball coach Jan Jensen was pleased with how her team started and ended the team's loss to UConn on Nov. 8.

"I was disappointed that we didn't win," Jensen said. "But I remain so encouraged and excited. We liked our beginning. We certainly liked the end. The middle, didn't like some of those things, but we had foul trouble. We were learning new things about our team, and I just love the fight. I think when you have fight and belief like that, there's a lot of good things that can happen."

Iowa (2-1) lost 91-79, but outscored the Huskies in the final quarter, 28-19, cutting a 27-point deficit to 10 at one point. The Hawkeyes, though, have quickly pivoted to their next opponent: Northern Iowa.

Jensen met with members of the media on Wednesday, Nov. 11, to preview the next two games on the schedule, along with the newest recruits who have officially signed with Iowa.

Previewing Iowa women's basketball vs UNI

Jensen said the state of Iowa is unique because there are four Division I basketball schools: Iowa, Iowa State, UNI and Drake. The Hawkeyes will take on the Panthers on Thursday, Nov. 12.

"Anytime you play any of those guys, all rankings off, all bets off, the gloves are on," Jensen said. "So we have a really emotional, intense rivalry game on Thursday."

UNI is 1-1 on the season, winning its season opener over St. Thomas, but losing its most recent game against South Dakota State.

"They just play so hard and they play a lot of 5-out," Jensen said of the Panthers. "They run a lot of dribble-handoff ball screens. They read screens, read how you're playing it, and they'll cut you back door. They got good size."

Jensen said that UNI has good shooters, and mentioned Mya Nicholson as a good player who can come off the bench and make an impact. Thursday will also bring a reunion for Callie Levin, who played for the Hawkeyes the last two seasons and saw action in 29 games off the bench before transferring to UNI.

"I think the world of Callie," Jensen said. " On tape, you see that fire; she plays so hard."

Jensen also said that the staff at UNI is getting all the "great strengths" out of Levin.

"There's a lot of respect for Callie, and I'm sure it'll be weird for her coming here. I think there's a mutual respect," Jensen said. "She's still close with a lot of players on our team."

Looking ahead to Iowa vs. Vanderbilt on Sunday

The Hawkeyes will take on No. 8 Vanderbilt on Sunday, Nov. 15 in Sioux City. The Commodores are the second top-10 opponent on Iowa's non-conference schedule so far. Jensen said she thinks it will be a very fun matchup.

Vanderbilt is 3-0 and plays again on Wednesday, Nov. 11, against Western Kentucky. So far, the Commodores have scored 100 points or more in every game so far.

"They have a great point guard in (Aubrey) Galvan," Jensen said. "The nation's leading scorer in (Mikayla) Blakes, and they picked up a post player from Georgia. So it'll be fun to prepare for that."

Jensen talks about her 2027 signees

Now that the signing window has opened, Jensen can talk openly about 2027 recruits Jada Seubert and Khalia Hartwell, who both signed on Wednesday.

Seubert is a guard from Wisconsin, while Hartwell is a 6-foot-5 center from South Carolina.

"Jada has been committed for a while, but she's going to be just a great addition," Jensen said. "She's exactly the type of guard that I love. She can get to the rim. She's got a beautiful pull-up. Her 3-ball continues to improve and improve, but she's got a little moxie about her. She doesn't shy away from a fight.

"Hawkeye fans are going to love her."

On Hartwell, Jensen said that she is "every bit of 6-5 and as athletic."

"I am so pumped about Khalia Hartwell," Jensen said. "She has, in my opinion, incredible potential."