Iowa City, Iowa - In an exhilarating display of talent and teamwork, the No. 3 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes secured a convincing 84-57 victory over the No. 14 ranked Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday night, taking sole possession of the lead in the Big Ten Conference. The win extended Iowa's winning streak to an impressive 14 games while snapping Indiana's 13-game winning streak.
Led by the extraordinary performance of Caitlin Clark, who contributed 30 points and 11 assists, the Hawkeyes demonstrated their dominance throughout the game. Molly Davis also played a crucial role, adding 18 points to the scoreboard, aiding in Iowa's triumphant display.
Clark, the nation's leading scorer with an average of 31 points per game, showcased her resilience as she overcame a slow start. Despite missing her first six 3-point attempts, Clark rebounded in the second quarter, hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to give Iowa a 25-19 lead. Her exceptional play continued as she finished the game with her 52nd career double-double, solidifying her status as a formidable force on the court.
During the second quarter, Clark encountered some foul trouble, picking up her second foul with 4:49 left on the clock. Nevertheless, Davis stepped up in her absence, contributing seven points and an assist, ultimately helping the Hawkeyes extend their lead by as much as seven points. Clark returned to action before halftime, capping off the second quarter with a crucial 3-pointer that gave Iowa a 43-37 lead heading into the break.
Coming out of the halftime break, the Hawkeyes showcased their tenacity as they embarked on a dominant 11-2 run to open the third quarter. Clark played an integral role in this surge, sinking a 3-pointer and subsequently assisting Gabbie Marshall's successful 3-pointer, further demoralizing the Hoosiers. Marshall also made a significant contribution to Iowa's victory, tallying 12 points in addition to her impactful defensive efforts.
Kate Martin played a key supporting role for Iowa, contributing 10 points and 12 rebounds. Her presence in both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game exemplified the team's overall strength.
On the Indiana side, Mackenzie Holmes led the way with 16 points, while Yarden Garzon and Sydney Parrish each added 11 points. Despite their efforts, the Hoosiers struggled to find their rhythm in the third quarter, shooting just 27.3% from the field as the Hawkeyes pulled away.
For the Hawkeyes, the atmosphere of the game was intensified by the presence of over 13,000 passionate fans, who defied the challenging weather conditions caused by a winter storm that had impacted travel throughout most of Iowa.
With this victory, Iowa now turns its attention to their next challenge, hosting Wisconsin on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Indiana will seek to bounce back as they prepare to host Minnesota on Wednesday.
The Iowa Hawkeyes' exceptional display against the Indiana Hoosiers solidified their position at the top of the Big Ten Conference and served as a testament to their talent, resilience, and ability to excel in adverse conditions. As the season progresses, the college basketball world will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the Hawkeyes and their phenomenal star player, Caitlin Clark.
