Iowa outlasts UConn in Final Four thriller, advances to national championship game
Iowa’s storybook run isn’t over. On Friday, the Hawkeyes secured a nail-biting comeback 71-69 victory over UConn in the Final Four. This is the second-straight season Iowa has advanced to the national championship.
As usual, Caitlin Clark led the way for Iowa, tallying 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists. However, Clark was far from the only Hawkeye who exceeded in the spotlight. Iowa forward Hannah Stuelke was pivotal in the win, notching a team-high 23 points on efficient 9-12 shooting.
UConn wasn’t without several standout performances, either. Paige Bueckers stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, four boards and three assists. KK Arnold and Aaliya Edwards combined for 31 points, as well.
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The Huskies pounced on Iowa early, securing a 19-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. Clark couldn’t find a rhythm in the frame, only scoring two points while shooting 1-5 from the floor.
Clark’s woes didn’t pass in the second period. Clark finished the first half with a mere six points. UConn’s Nika Muhl was key in Clark’s slow half. The 5-foot-11 senior face-guarded Clark 94 feet and denied any outlet passes to the All-American.
After the game, Clark addressed the difficulty of UConn’s defensive game plan.
“I think that’s what you’re going to see at this point,” Clark said. “They’re gonna really sell out on me. I thought my teammates stepped up and did a really good job. Made some big baskets for me, so I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
UConn’s defensive strategy paid off, boosting the Huskies to a 32-26 lead at halftime. Nonetheless, Iowa didn’t come this far in the Big Dance to accept defeat. In the third quarter, the Hawkeyes bounced back. Propelled forward by Hannah Stuelke’s 11 points, Iowa tied the game at 51 points entering the final frame.
Early in the fourth quarter, it looked like Iowa may ride off into the sunset with a comfortable victory. With just shy of six minutes left, the Hawkeyes held a nine-point lead. Yet, after a two-minute Iowa scoring drought and a massive 3-pointer from Muhl, UConn cut Iowa’s lead to one point.
Following an Iowa turnover, UConn had the opportunity to take the final shot. That final shot never came. After Edwards was called for an illegal screen, Iowa received the ball and iced the game with free throws. When the final buzzer rang, Iowa escaped with 71-69 triumph.
Effort was instrumental in Iowa’s triumph. The Hawkeyes reeled in nearly twice as many offensive rebounds as the Huskies. Iowa didn’t allow its efforts go to waste. The team scored 10 second-chance points compared to UConn’s three.
With the win, Clark and Co. are one game away from securing the first national title in program history. On Sunday, the Hawkeyes will square off against the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks in the national championship at 3 p.m. ET. Clark is excited for the matchup.
“It’s gonna take one through five. They’re so skilled,” Clark said. “At this point, anybody can take it and you’ve got to go and prep. You’ve got one day to take care of yourself. We’ll be ready.”