WATCH: Caitlin Clark shows out in Elite Eight with John Cena celebration during huge performance
Iowa star Caitlin Clark had a huge game against Louisville in the Elite Eight, and showed off for the crowd with a “John Cena” celebration. The Hawkeyes were cruising through the first three quarters, and Clark led the way with 33 points before the fourth quarter even started.
After nailing one of her seven three-point makes in the first three quarters of play, Clark was caught by the broadcast camera waving her hand in front of her face like the famous wrestler — a reference to his signature taunt of “You Can’t See Me.”
Caitlin Clark shows off the John Cena celebration
One of the most electric basketball players in the nation, Clark gave fans a show with her performance on Sunday to help try to earn a berth in the Final Four for Iowa. Through three quarters, Clark had racked up 33 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists — just two rebounds away from another career triple double which she would secure before the final whistle. The triple double was the first 30-point triple double — and then 40-point triple double — in NCAA Women’s Tournament history.
Quickly after the final quarter began, Clark drilled another three-pointer to make her 8-for-14 from downtown midway through the final stretch. On the following possession, Clark recovered a loose ball from a Louisville turnover and passed it to a teammate for an easy layup to pick up her 11th assist and the game appeared to be fully in control.
Unfortunately for Clark and the Hawkeyes, Louisville wasn’t ready to go down without a fight. The Cardinals went on a 13-1 run in the final quarter to cut the lead down to just ten points with just over two minutes left in the game. The Hawkeyes were able to stop the bleeding to close the game however, hitting clutch free throws to preserve their lead and finish the job.
The star guard finished her evening with 41 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists, as the Hawkeyes won the game 97-83 to reach the Final Four.
Anyone who’s seen Clark play on the court this season has seen her flashes of brilliance, and the fans in the gym for their game with the Cardinals got to see it on full display. Her use of John Cena’s infamous taunt only enhanced how dominant she was on the court, even if might have driven some rivals and critics further against her.