The University Huskies gave Caitlin Clark a trip to the Final Four, but it didn’t matter as the Iowa Hawkeyes won 71-69 and are back in the national title game.
After UW forced a steal on Iowa, the Huskies’ Nika Muhl made it a one-point game and had a chance to take the lead with just seconds left after forcing a turnover on the Hawkeyes.
But as Huskies star Paige Bueckers tried to run around for a potential game-winning shot, UW’s Aaliyah Edwards was called for a moving screen by Gabby Marshall.
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Iowa Hawkeyes’ Caitlin Clark reacts during the second half of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game against the University Huskies at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 5, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Legendary UW head coach Geno Auriemma was furious, screaming near the bench after the referee called a foul with four seconds left in the game. Huskies fans were still not happy after watching a video replay on the big screen at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse that showed Edwards moving slightly as Douglas tried to fight through the screen.
A controversial foul call was a major storyline in the game, but UW had another chance when Clark missed his second free throw after being fouled. UW took a final timeout and had another chance to win the game, but Sidney Affolter got away with an offensive rebound.
That ended the game, and while the Huskies couldn’t believe how things were unfolding with seconds left, Iowa celebrated returning to the National Championship Game for the second straight season.
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Last season, they lost to the LSU Tigers, who they beat in the Elite Eight. This time they will face the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks, who continued their perfect season by defeating North Carolina State early Friday night.
Usually, Iowa State’s wins come with Clark leading the way on the scoreboard, but as mentioned earlier, the Huskies made it difficult for her all night. Still, she finished with 21 points on 7-of-18 shooting, including just 3-of-11 from three, but forwards led the Hawkeyes with 23 points in a great offensive performance. It was Hannah Stukle.
Paige Bueckers #5 of the University Huskies reacts during the second half during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 5, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. Inside, Iowa Hawkeyes #22 Caitlin Clark reaches for the ball. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Stuelke was strong in the paint, making 9 of 12 shots and knocking down 5 of 7 free throw attempts. She also had three rebounds, one assist, and one block.
Kate Martin also made solid contributions, especially with a turnaround late in the game, scoring 11 points on a fadeaway jumper that outscored the Buccaneers and further extended Iowa’s lead with 2:59 left.
The game went UConn’s way from the start as Clark’s production was hampered. For the first time in his tournament career, Clark failed to make a 3-point shot in the first half. And while Clark was well contested on shots from beyond the arc, the Hawkeyes couldn’t hold on to the ball as University forced 12 turnovers in the first half.
At one point, the Huskies held a 12-point lead. However, Iowa was able to cut in there before the end of the first half, and the Huskies headed to the locker room with a 32-26 lead.
However, the Hawkeyes continued to perform well in the third quarter, quickly overcoming the deficit and entering the fourth quarter tied at 51 points each.
No. 45 Hannah Stuelke of the Iowa Hawkeyes plays against the University Huskies during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 5, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. . (Ben Solomon/NCAA Photo, Getty Images)
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For UW, the Buccaneers ultimately didn’t have their best night on the field, scoring 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting (including 3-of-8 from deep). And while Edwards’ controversial foul at the end of the game was a major storyline, she scored 17 of her points on 8-of-15 shooting from the field, eight rebounds, three assists, and five steals. .
Freshman guard KK Arnold also had an effective night for the Huskies, posting 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, five assists and five steals. Mule added nine points and seven assists for University.
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