Caitlin Clark and its ability toIowa won the Big Ten Tournament for the third straight time. However, it was far from easy for the Hawkeyes, against Nebraska…
Because the one who now holds the record for points in university history had all the difficulty in the world to score in the first half. Disturbed by the numerous opposing defensive strategies, well mixed, Caitlin Clark only had four points at halftime, 0/9 behind the 3-point line!
“It was probably my worst half” will she explainNebraska leading 46-35 after twenty minutes.
The shooter, who will leave the NCAA to join the WNBA at the end of this season, will however manage to get back upright after the break. However, with 2:30 left in the match, things still seemed to be going badly for Iowa, trailing 75-67. But Caitlin Clark will score an important 3-pointer, deliver two assists and finally score the layup to equalize (77-77) in order to send the two teams into overtime!
It's Kate Martin who will first carry Iowa in overtime, before Caitlin Clark, whose stats line (34 points at 12/29 shooting including 5/17 from distance, 12 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 interceptions but 7 turnovers) illustrates the influence but also the contrasting performance, finishing the job (94-89) at 3-points then at throws.
“We just found a way to win, and that says a lot about our team, their maturity”she explains. “This team is never down in a match. We have the offensive firepower to come back in any game. We all believed in it, we all knew it and we never gave up.”
Now, it's time for “March Madness” for Caitlin Clark and Iowa, with the women's program able to present itself as a No. 1 seed for the third time in its history, and the first time since 1992.
It was well worth a little tribute to Kobe Bryant with the trophy, in the locker room, after the match…
Iconic. @CaitlinClark22 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/7fjKqh9wbO
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) March 10, 2024
