In a tightly contested matchup between UConn and Iowa in the NCAA Women’s Championship, Iowa emerged victorious with a controversial foul call that secured a 71-69 win. The first half was defined by strong defensive play from UConn, particularly Nika Muhl’s efforts to frustrate Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. UConn’s defense effectively limited Clark’s scoring, holding her to just two points in the first quarter and six points at halftime, marking her lowest-scoring half in an NCAA Tournament game.
Despite UConn’s defensive efforts, Iowa stayed competitive thanks to contributions from other players like KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade, who stepped up to score points as Clark faced double-teams. Iowa managed to close the gap and were only down 32-26 at halftime after a late run. In the third quarter, Iowa’s offensive strategy shifted as Clark became a decoy and her teammates capitalized on opportunities to score. Iowa also improved ball control, committing zero turnovers in the third quarter after struggling with turnovers in the first half.
As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, Iowa continued their strong offensive performance, with players other than Clark making crucial shots to maintain their lead. Although UConn made a late push and narrowed the gap, a controversial foul call on UConn’s final possession sealed the win for Iowa. Hannah Stuelke was instrumental in Iowa’s victory, dominating in the paint and finishing with a game-high 23 points. Despite Clark’s contributions with 21 points, Iowa’s balanced scoring attack and strong defense proved to be the difference.
For UConn, Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards both had impressive performances with 17 points each, supported by Arnold’s 14 points. The Huskies’ three-point shooting, which was effective in the first half, faltered in the second half. Hannah Stuelke was recognized as the game MVP for her versatile contributions on both ends of the floor, stepping up when Clark faced defensive pressure and delivering crucial plays for Iowa. Iowa’s victory marked a hard-fought battle between two talented teams that showcased determination and resilience throughout the game.
