Caitlin Clark led the Iowa Hawkeyes to a thrilling 71-69 victory over UConn in the women’s Final Four, with 21 points and three crucial 3-pointers in the second half. This win sets up a rematch with South Carolina in the national championship game. Despite being shut down in the first half by UConn’s defense, Clark found her rhythm in the fourth quarter, scoring seven points in just 2 1/2 minutes to give Iowa a small lead. The Hawkeyes managed to hold off a late surge from UConn to secure the victory.
After a stellar performance by Caitlin Clark, who finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, Iowa will face South Carolina in the national championship game. While South Carolina is considered a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, Clark expressed determination to compete at the highest level. Despite a rough opening 30 minutes, the Hawkeyes showcased resilience and composure in the final quarter to secure the victory over UConn. Iowa coach Lisa Bluder praised her team’s second-half performance and their ability to stay focused and believe in themselves.
UConn, led by Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards, put up a strong fight against Iowa but ultimately fell short in the Final Four. Bueckers and Edwards each scored 17 points for the Huskies, who had hopes of winning their 12th national title. Despite facing numerous injuries throughout the season, UConn showed grit and determination to compete at the highest level. Head coach Geno Auriemma acknowledged the challenges his team faced but commended them for putting themselves in a position to win, despite the odds against them.
In the first half, UConn took an early lead behind Bueckers and a stellar defensive effort that limited Caitlin Clark’s scoring opportunities. However, Iowa rallied in the third quarter, with Clark hitting her first 3-pointer of the game and leading the Hawkeyes back into contention. Kate Martin’s crucial baskets and resilience after suffering a bloody nose injury contributed to Iowa’s comeback. The Hawkeyes’ ability to overcome adversity and stay focused on their game plan ultimately led to their victory over UConn in the Final Four.
Caitlin Clark’s performance in the Final Four highlighted her exceptional talent and leadership on the court. Despite a challenging first half, where she struggled to find her shooting touch, Clark remained composed and focused on contributing in other facets of the game. Her all-around performance, along with key contributions from her teammates, propelled Iowa to a memorable victory over UConn. As the Hawkeyes prepare to face South Carolina in the national championship game, they will look to harness the momentum from their Final Four win and compete for their first-ever national title.
