CLEVELAND — — Caitlin Clark led Iowa back to the national championship game, scoring 21 points as the Hawkeyes rallied past Paige Bueckers and UConn 71-69 in the women’s Final Four on Friday night.
Next up for the Hawkeyes (34-4) is a rematch with unbeaten South Carolina, which lost to Iowa in last year’s national semifinals. The Hawkeyes then fell short of winning the school’s first championship, falling to LSU in the title game. Now Clark is one win away from bringing her home state its first women’s basketball title in the final game of her college career.
“It’s gonna take one through five. They’re so skilled. They played a great game today,” Clark said of South Carolina. “At this point anybody can take it. You’ve got to go prep, you’ve got one day to take of yourself, so we’ll be ready.”
After a rough opening 30 minutes because of a swarming UConn defense, the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer finally got going in the fourth quarter.
With the game tied at 51-all, Clark scored seven points in the first 2 1/2 minutes of the period to give Iowa a small cushion. UConn (33-6) got within 60-57 before the Hawkeyes scored six straight to take a 66-57 advantage.
Iowa led 70-66 before Nika Muhl hit a 3-pointer after a steal with 39.3 seconds left to get the Huskies within one.
Iowa’s Hannah Stuelke turned it over with 10 seconds left. UConn had a chance to take the lead, but Aaliyah Edwards was called for an offensive foul while setting a screen with 4.6 seconds left.
Clark made one free throw but missed the second. Teammate Sydney Affolter got the rebound and UConn tied her up, forcing a jump ball. The possession arrow kept the ball with the Hawkeyes, who sealed the win by throwing the ball in the air to run out the final seconds.
Stuelke scored 23 points to lead Iowa. Clark finished with nine rebounds and seven assists.
“I thought we started off the fourth quarter really good,” Clark said. “Came up with some big baskets. Hannah came up with some baskets. Kate (Martin) was tremendous. Just resilient.”
Bueckers and Edwards each scored 17 points for the Huskies, who were back in the Final Four after a one-year hiatus that ended their run of 14 straight seasons in the national semifinals. This might have been the best coaching job by Geno Auriemma. UConn had hopes of winning the 12th title in school history coming into the season, but those were quickly dashed by a series of injuries that sidelined nearly half of its roster.
But Bueckers, the national player of the year as a freshman in 2021 who returned to that form after missing an entire season and part of another with injuries, carried the Huskies back into title contention.
UConn got going early behind Bueckers and stellar defense by Nika Muhl and her teammates, who swarmed Clark every time she touched the ball. The Huskies led by 12 points in the second quarter.
Iowa trailed by six at the half before getting going in the third quarter behind their star. She made her first 3-pointer of the game 2 minutes into the period, and then her four-point play got Iowa within one. The Hawkeyes then took their first lead later in the period right before Martin got hit in the face by Edwards, resulting in a bloody nose. She ran off the court, leaving a trail of blood behind her.
Martin was back on the Iowa bench before they had finished cleaning the court. She then hit three big baskets down the stretch.
“Couldn’t be happier with our performance tonight in the second half,” Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said. “First half was a little rough for us. We really kept believing.”
Clark had a tough first half, scoring six points while missing all six of her 3-point attempts. She barely got any open shots and at times looked frustrated. Iowa’s coaches kept shouting words of encouragement to their generational player.
Even though she wasn’t scoring, Clark kept the Hawkeyes in the game with six rebounds and four assists as the Hawkeyes trailed 32-26 at the break.
In the women’s Final Four match between Iowa and UConn, Caitlin Clark led the Hawkeyes to a 71-69 victory, securing their spot in the national championship game. Clark scored 21 points and showcased her skills as the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer.
The Hawkeyes will now face undefeated South Carolina in a rematch of last year’s national semifinals. Iowa will be seeking redemption after falling short of winning their first championship and losing to LSU in the title game. This is a significant moment for Clark as she aims to bring her home state its first women’s basketball title in the final game of her college career.
The upcoming game against South Carolina is anticipated to be a fierce battle, with both teams displaying exceptional skills. Clark acknowledges the strengths of their opponents and emphasizes the need for a complete team effort to secure victory. The outcome of the match remains uncertain, highlighting the intense competition in women’s college basketball.
Iowa’s triumph over UConn did not come easy, as they faced a strong defensive strategy that limited Clark’s impact during the first half. However, Clark’s resilience shone through in the fourth quarter when she scored seven crucial points within the first few minutes. Her performance helped Iowa establish a lead and eventually secure the victory.
Hannah Stuelke also made significant contributions for Iowa, scoring 23 points and playing a pivotal role in their success. Despite UConn’s efforts to turn the tide in their favor, Iowa maintained composure and executed crucial plays in the final moments of the game.
On the other side, Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards showcased their skills for UConn, contributing 17 points each. Despite a challenging season plagued by injuries, Bueckers demonstrated her prowess, earning recognition as the national player of the year. UConn’s appearance in the Final Four after a one-year hiatus attests to the exceptional coaching abilities of Geno Auriemma.
Looking ahead, this thrilling clash between Iowa and UConn highlights the continuous evolution and competitiveness of women’s college basketball. The emergence of talented players like Clark and Bueckers adds excitement and intrigue to the sport. The passion and determination displayed by these athletes will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of basketball stars.
As the championship game approaches, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing historic moments and witnessing the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The outcome of this game will shape the future of women’s basketball, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, resilience, and individual brilliance.
In a world where women’s sports are gaining increased recognition and support, this matchup signifies the growth and potential of women’s college basketball. It serves as a reminder that gender equality in sports is an ongoing journey, with each milestone paving the way for future generations.
The magnitude of this Final Four matchup extends beyond the basketball court. It symbolizes the strength, perseverance, and unwavering spirit of female athletes who continue to redefine the boundaries of sports. Their achievements inspire young girls around the world to dream big and pursue their own sporting aspirations.
As fans and enthusiasts eagerly await the championship game, it is important to recognize the impact of women’s college basketball in society. This sport transcends boundaries and fosters a sense of community, uniting individuals from different backgrounds under a shared love for the game.
The future of women’s basketball appears bright, with these exceptional athletes pushing the boundaries and raising the bar for excellence. As we celebrate the achievements of teams like Iowa and UConn, it is crucial to continue supporting and advocating for greater opportunities and recognition for women in sports.
The journey towards gender equality in sports is ongoing, and the success of these athletes serves as a reminder of the progress made and the potential that lies ahead. The world of women’s college basketball is on an upward trajectory, with more opportunities, resources, and support being directed towards the growth of the sport.
In conclusion, the Iowa vs. UConn matchup in the women’s Final Four showcased the immense talent, determination, and passion within women’s college basketball. The game served as a testament to the growth and potential of the sport, highlighting the exceptional performances of players like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. As we embrace the future of women’s basketball, let us celebrate the achievements of these remarkable athletes and continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape.