Iowa City, Iowa – Top-ranked Iowa narrowly escaped defeat against West Virginia in a thrilling second-round NCAA tournament matchup on Monday night. Despite facing a tough challenge from West Virginia, Caitlin Clark’s impressive performance led the Hawkeyes to a 64-54 victory, securing their spot in the Sweet 16.
Throughout the game, Iowa struggled offensively, with just one field goal in the fourth quarter. However, Caitlin Clark stepped up, scoring 32 points and breaking the NCAA Division I single-season scoring record with a total of 1,113 points this season alone. Clark’s remarkable performance guided Iowa to a Sweet 16 showdown with Colorado next weekend in Albany.
The game saw momentum shifts, with West Virginia starting strong but Iowa responding with a 15-4 run to close the first quarter ahead. Despite West Virginia’s efforts to stifle Iowa’s offense in the second quarter, the Hawkeyes regrouped in the third, going on a 12-2 tear to regain control.
In the final quarter, West Virginia mounted a comeback, tying the game at one point. However, Iowa’s defense held firm, allowing only one field goal from West Virginia in the closing minutes. Iowa’s victory was sealed by clutch plays, including a key layup by Sydney Affolter and strong free throw shooting down the stretch.
Clark’s dominance extended beyond scoring, contributing eight rebounds and three assists in addition to her 32 points. Despite a challenging night for the rest of the team, Iowa’s collective effort secured the win and a spot in the Sweet 16.
Looking ahead, Iowa will face off against Colorado in the regional semifinals, with both teams aiming to advance further in the tournament. The stage is set for another intense matchup as Iowa continues their quest for a championship run.