Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark delivered a performance for the ages, leading her No. 10 team to a stunning 83-72 victory over the No. 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. In a sold-out Value City Arena, Clark’s incredible triple-double, achieved while teammate McKenna Warnock watched from the sidelines in street clothes due to injury, propelled Iowa to a statement win that reverberated across women’s college basketball.
Hawkeyes Overcome Adversity and Buckeyes’ Streak
The Iowa Hawkeyes, despite missing starter McKenna Warnock who was relegated to street clothes due to a rib injury, showcased their veteran poise and determination against an Ohio State team that had been undefeated for 19 games. From the tip-off, Iowa displayed a confidence that belied their road underdog status, building an early lead and maintaining composure even when the Buckeyes threatened to surge back.
“Hopefully it means we’re one of the top five teams in the country,” Coach Lisa Bluder confidently stated after the game, highlighting the team’s ambitious goals. The victory certainly bolstered their claim, proving their ability to compete at the highest level even when facing adversity, including Warnock’s absence and foul trouble for key player Monika Czinano.
Clark’s Historic Performance Silences Doubters
Caitlin Clark’s eighth career triple-double was the undeniable catalyst for Iowa’s triumph. She orchestrated the offense with precision, scoring 28 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out an astounding 15 assists. Her performance was particularly crucial in the fourth quarter when Ohio State narrowed the gap. Every time the Buckeyes threatened, Clark responded with timely baskets and assists, demonstrating her clutch gene and leadership.
Team Effort and Key Contributions
While Clark’s brilliance shone brightly, the Iowa victory was a testament to the team’s collective strength. Monika Czinano was dominant in the paint, scoring 22 points on an efficient 11-of-13 shooting. Kate Martin contributed a valuable double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Hannah Stuelke provided a spark off the bench, grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds in just 22 minutes, contributing to Iowa’s dominant 51-31 rebounding advantage. Molly Davis’s crucial back-to-back three-pointers to start the fourth quarter also proved pivotal in halting Ohio State’s momentum.
“I told everyone for my birthday, this is the only present I wanted. And they promised it to me,” Clark revealed, emphasizing the team’s camaraderie and shared desire for victory. The Hawkeyes displayed resilience and determination, weathering Ohio State’s runs and executing their game plan effectively.
Defensive Strategy Confounds Buckeyes
Coach Bluder highlighted the team’s defensive strategy as a key factor in the upset. “We threw a lot of different stuff at them. I thought they were confused. They didn’t know what to do,” she explained. Iowa’s defensive versatility and execution disrupted Ohio State’s offensive flow, limiting their scoring opportunities and forcing them into difficult shots. While Cotie McMahon (21 points) and Taylor Thierry (20 points) led the Buckeyes’ scoring, Ohio State struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm against Iowa’s disciplined defense.
Implications for Big Ten and NCAA Tournament
This victory holds significant implications for both the Big Ten Conference standings and NCAA Tournament seeding. Iowa moved to the top of the Big Ten standings with the win, positioning themselves as serious contenders for the conference title. Defeating the No. 2 team in the nation on their home court significantly enhances Iowa’s NCAA Tournament resume, providing a crucial top-five win that will boost their seeding prospects.
“We know this game won’t matter when the NCAA Tournament is happening in March,” Bluder acknowledged, emphasizing the long-term perspective. “But it does so much for our confidence. It does so much for our seeding in the NCAA Tournament, to have a top-five win on their home court. It’s a really good feeling because (Ohio State) has come into Carver the last two years and beat us. So it was nice to return the favor.”
In conclusion, Caitlin Clark’s masterful performance, combined with a strong team effort and effective defensive strategy, secured a statement victory for the Iowa Hawkeyes over Ohio State. Even with McKenna Warnock watching in street clothes, Iowa showcased their depth, resilience, and championship aspirations, sending a clear message to the rest of the nation.
