The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team are Big Ten Tournament champions for the third straight season, but the Nebraska Cornhuskers didn't make things easy Sunday afternoon.
All eyes were, of course, on Caitlin Clark's performance in another conference championship game, especially since she was named MVP for the past two years.
But Clark got off to a slow start in this game, going 0 for 9 from three-point territory as Nebraska won the first quarter, 23-17, and went into halftime leading 46-35.
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Caitlin Clark (22) of the Iowa Hawkeyes defends Callin Hake (14) of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half during the Big Ten women's basketball tournament championship March 10, 2024, at Target Center in Minneapolis. (Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
However, a strong second half from the Hawkeyes got them back into the game. They tied it late in the third quarter, and after a back-and-forth in the fourth quarter, this game had to go to overtime.
Kate Martin played a big role in overtime, assisting Hannah Stuelke on the first basket to make the score 79-77. Then she drained a three-pointer to start pulling away.
But once again, Nebraska's relentless effort made things difficult for Iowa. Alexis Marokowski and Natalie Potts both made layups to cut Iowa's lead to one, and Nebraska regained its lead when Logan Nissley made a three-pointer of her own, making the score 84- 82.
CAITLIN CLARK BREAKING ANOTHER NCAA RECORD, ONE SHE PREVIOUSLY SHARED WITH STEPH CURRY
Martin, however, returned to the court and drained a three to give the Hawkeyes momentum again. Then Clark arrived.
With 1:11 left in overtime, Nissley made a three again, but Clark answered with one of his own to keep the Hawkeyes' lead at 89-87 with less than a minute to play. Clark then forced a turnover with a steal on Jaz Shelley and made two free throws after a foul.
After Nissley missed a three with 31 seconds left, the Hawkeyes continued to play good defense and made late free throws to win 94-89.
Hannah Stuelke (45) of the Iowa Hawkeyes drives to the basket against Alexis Markowski of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half during the Big Ten women's basketball tournament championship on March 10, 2024, at Target Center in Minneapolis. (Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
Clark finished the game 12 of 29 from the floor, although a poor 5 of 17 from beyond the arc, for 34 points, including 5 of 6 made free throws. She also had a double-double with 12 assists and seven rebounds, while also collecting three steals on the day.
Stuelke provided 25 points and nine rebounds for the Hawkeyes, while Sydney Affolter had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
With the Big Ten title in hand, the Hawkeyes – ranked No. 3 in the nation – should receive the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Next week's Sunday Selection will solidify their position and that of their opponent going into March Madness.
Clark will obviously play a big role in getting the Hawkeyes back to the national championship game, where they fell last season to the LSU Tigers.
Caitlin Clark of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts after a three-point basket in the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Big Ten women's basketball tournament championship on March 10, 2024, at Target Center in Minneapolis . (Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
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She continues to build on her all-time scoring record in Division I college basketball, and Iowa will need all she can give in the coming weeks.
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