Lisa Bluder on Caitlin Clark collision during Ohio State court storming: 'That's wrong'

After No. 2 Iowa fell to Ohio State on the road, superstar Caitlin Clark tried to escape the inevitable storm of students flooding the floor. Unfortunately, she wasn’t successful. As Clark jogged toward the tunnel, she collided with an unaware fan and spiraled to the ground.

While Clark was able to get to her feet, it understandably was a concerning situation. Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder didn’t hesitate to defend Clark during the postgame press conference.

“It’s unfortunate the game ended that way and Caitlin gets taken out on the floor,” Bluder said. “Had some inappropriate words yelled at her by fans, by students. That just should not happen. Our players should be safe, they should be able to walk off the floor.

“That’s very disappointing. I think Ohio State is a great team, great environment. But obviously, very disappointed with the postgame, with our players getting injured trying to walk out of the gym. That’s wrong.”

Caitlin Clark weighs in on the collision

In the 100-92 loss, Clark exploded for 45 points and seven assists while shooting 12-25 from the field. Following the game, Clark discussed the collision.

“It was kind of scary — could have caused a pretty serious injury to me and (it) knocked the wind out of me. But luckily, my teammates picked me up and got me off the court. And (Ohio State’s) AD already came and apologized to me, so I really appreciate that.”

She continued, explaining that protocols could have been better enforced but she understands the risk of a court-storming comes with playing in such a high-profile game. 

“You know, this is what comes with the territory. I mean, I’m sure they tried their best to do whatever they could. Obviously, it didn’t work and that’s disappointing, but you know, just focus now on the game and, you know, ways we can get better.”

According to Ohio State reporter Patrick Murphy, Clark even said she was understanding of the court storming following the Buckeyes’ upset victory. 

“Caitlin Clark said it was a great atmosphere at the Schott. She said it was totally fine that Ohio State fans stormed the court but she was blindsided by a fan,” Murphy wrote in a tweet. “She said she’s okay and athletic director Gene Smith already came to apologize to her.”

Thankfully, Clark isn’t expected to miss any time due to the accident. The nation’s leading scorer will have six days to rest before Iowa takes the floor again on Dec. 27 in a matchup against Nebraska.