Caitlin Clark scores 29, pushes Iowa into Elite 8 for championship rematch with LSU
No. 1 seed Iowa cruised back into the Elite 8 for a second-straight season with a 89-68 win over No. 5 seed Colorado in the Sweet 16 on Saturday afternoon. And with the win, Iowa is set to face No. 3 seed LSU in a rematch of the 2023 National Championship game, which the Hawkeyes lost.
And to dispatch the Buffaloes in the Sweet 16, Hawkeyes star guard Caitlin Clark was her usual dazzling self. She started off with an array of assists, loosening the Colorado defense with high-level passing and quickly pushing the ball in transition. Then she did what she’s become known so well for: Scoring the ball.
By the time she checked out with fewer than two minutes left in the game and Iowa leading by nearly 20, Clark had 29 points, 15 assists and six rebounds.
Along with Clark, four other Hawkeyes finished scoring in double figures. Sydney Affolter scored 15 and Gabbie Marshall and Kate Martin each added 14 points, respectively. And forward Hannah Stuelke finished with an 11 point, 10 rebound double-double.
At halftime, Clark spoke with ABC sideline reporter Holly Rowe about her assist-first mentality in the first half. Clark went into the break with 15 points and eight assists.
“I think that’s the key to the game,” Clark said. “When we have multiple people in double figures we’re really good. I thought our ball screen offense was really good, being able to work that. They’re flooding so being able to hit it on the roll but, I thought we got out in transition. I think our defense needs to be a little better in transition.”
Now, Iowa plays LSU on Monday with a chance to advance to the Final Four.
But the Tigers are looking like a legit contender to repeat as national champions, ousting No. 2 seed UCLA in a close-fought game that preceded the Hawkeyes victory. Stars Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson played stellar games and set the table for what should be one of the best games of the season on Monday.
After the win, Clark spoke with Rowe about the impending showdown.
“Absolutely so good for women’s basketball,” Clark said. “And to be honest, I’ve watched a lot of LSU’s games and what they’re doing for women’s basketball, the way their fans support [it] is tremendous. And it’s been fun to watch and they’ve had a great season so I know it’s gonna be a great game and both teams are gonna be ready to go.
“It’s just gonna be great for our game and you know, we couldn’t be more excited.”
And Clark and Co. are hoping for a different outcome this time to make it back to the Final Four.