Iowa’s women’s basketball team, led by Caitlin Clark, defeated West Virginia in a close matchup in the NCAA Tournament second round. Despite a poor offensive performance, Clark’s 32 points and key free throws helped the Hawkeyes secure a 64-54 victory. The win earned Iowa a spot in the regional semifinals against Colorado. As Clark celebrated her final home game, she set records for all-time NCAA scoring leader and single-season points. The Hawkeyes, known for their high-scoring offense, struggled to put up points against West Virginia’s strong defense, shooting just 36.4% from the field.
Sydney Affolter and Hannah Stuelke contributed to Iowa’s win, with Affolter’s three-point play giving the team a crucial lead late in the game. Despite leading by 10 points at one point, Iowa faced a challenge from West Virginia in the fourth quarter, as the Mountaineers went on a 10-0 run to tie the game. Both teams struggled to score consistently throughout the game, with low shooting percentages and scoring droughts. JJ Quinerly led West Virginia with 15 points, while Kyah Watson and Jayla Hemingway also contributed to the team’s efforts.
Both Iowa and West Virginia faced difficulties on offense, with the game characterized by strong defensive efforts from both sides. The low-scoring first half ended with Iowa holding a narrow 26-24 lead as both teams struggled to make shots. The Hawkeyes went through a scoring drought towards the end of the first half, shooting just 27.3% in the second quarter. West Virginia also had trouble scoring, going without a point for stretches in both quarters. The game was marked by a lack of field goals in the second quarter, with just nine combined between the two teams.
Despite their offensive struggles, Iowa was able to secure the win and advance to the next round of the NCAA Tournament. Caitlin Clark’s standout performance and record-breaking achievements were key to the team’s success, as she showcased her scoring abilities and leadership on the court. The Hawkeyes will now prepare to face Colorado in the upcoming regional semifinal, looking to continue their tournament run. West Virginia put up a strong fight, but ultimately fell short against Iowa’s determined defense and clutch free throws in the closing minutes of the game. The matchup highlighted the competitive nature of March Madness and the resilience of both teams under pressure.
