IOWA CITY, Iowa (Interstat) — The Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2) look to rebound from a ranked road loss when they host the Penn State Lady Lions (7-5) in a Big Ten women’s basketball matchup Sunday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa enters conference play coming off a 90-64 defeat at then-Connecticut on Dec. 20, its second loss to a top-10 opponent this season. The Hawkeyes, who average 79.8 points per game, are led by guard Chazadi Wright. She scored 16 points against the Huskies and had a season-high 21 in a close loss at Iowa State on Dec. 10. Penn State seeks to steady itself after dropping four of its last five, including a 70-54 home loss to Richmond on Dec. 21. The Lady Lions’ offense, averaging 73.3 points, will lean on center Gracie Merkle. The standout post player is averaging 16.2 points and 6.2 rebounds over her last five contests, including a 23-point effort against Nebraska and a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double in a win over VCU. Iowa holds a dominant home-court advantage, winning all six games in Iowa City this season by an average margin of 44.8 points. Penn State is 1-3 in true road games, with the lone win coming at San Diego State in November. This game opens the Big Ten schedule for both teams. Iowa’s early conference test includes a Jan. 1 home game against Nebraska. Penn State continues a tough stretch with a home game against UCLA on Dec. 31. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. EST Sunday.