There aren’t many adjectives that exist to describe what the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team did today. The shooting, the passing, the defense. They put it all together in their biggest game of the season.
Iowa didn’t just beat No. 14 Ohio State, but more so put on a masterclass as they dismantled them 105-72 on their way to a repeat Big Ten Tournament championship. Everything went right for the Hawkeyes (26-6, 15-3 Big Ten) and it came together when it mattered the most.
Caitlin Clark was simply magical in this game against the Buckeyes. The 6-foot superstar from West Des Moines registered her 10th career triple-double, pouring in 30 points on 5-of-11 shooting from 3-point range. Clark added a wacky 17 assists and 10 rebounds.
Star big Monika Czinano joined Clark with a big day that featured 26 points on a near-perfect 11-of-12 shooting day. Kate Martin added 13 points and Sydney Affolter rounded out the Hawkeyes’ double-figure scorers with 11.
The game was effectively over at halftime. Iowa led 61-24 at the break. The Hawkeyes shot 72.4% from the floor and 62.5% from 3-point range in the first half. Clark and Czinano combined for 40 in the first half.
Meanwhile, Ohio State was limited to 25% shooting and just 13.3% from 3-point distance. In other words, it was basically a perfect first half for the Hawks.
From there, Iowa rolled its way to triple digits and what wound up being a record amount of points scored in the Big Ten Tournament championship game’s history.
What makes this win even more impressive is that the Hawkeyes have a real, credible, and strong argument for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They beat No. 6 Maryland, handled Ohio State who took down No. 2 Indiana and are once again crowned as Big Ten champs. Selection Sunday on March 12 will tell us how high the Hawkeyes are seeded.
The Hawkeyes have also won 15 of their past 17. Their only losses came against the aforementioned perceived No. 2 seeds or better squads in Indiana and Maryland.
With some time before the NCAA Tournament, Iowa will enjoy this one as they rightfully should before turning the page. To go with the championship feeling, here are the best social media reactions regarding the Hawkeyes’ repeat championship.