The Iowa Hawkeyes’ revenge against the Ohio State Buckeyes sent a loud, late-season message across the landscape of women’s college basketball. The Hawkeyes put together four quarters of quality basketball to knock off the Buckeyes, who were ranked No. 2 at tipoff.
The day was joyous as Caitlin Clark also became the NCAA all-time leading scorer passing Pete Maravich with two free throws at the end of the first half. The bigger story, which may be still hidden, is that the Hawkeyes appear to be figuring things out at the right time.
Their performance has them leapfrogging teams in ESPN’s Power Rankings and jumping up three spots to No. 2.
2. Iowa Hawkeyes (26-4)
Previous ranking: 5
This week: vs. Penn State/Wisconsin winner at Big Ten tournament quarterfinals (Friday)Sophomore forward Hannah Stuelke didn’t get many touches in the Hawkeyes’ 108-60 romp over Minnesota on Wednesday. But she did in a hotly contested game Sunday vs. Ohio State, going 9-of-12 from the field for 23 points, plus 9 rebounds. Iowa is concerned about the status of injured guard Molly Davis going into the postseason, but Stuelke looks ready to be a force. Iowa, the Big Ten tournament No. 2 seed, is also shooting the 3-pointer well of late, with a combined 50 in the last three games. – Michael Voepel, ESPN
With the threes falling, nearly 17 per game over the final three to end the season, Iowa has developed a two-headed monster with Clark and Gabbie Marshall outside paired with Hannah Stuelke down low.
Kate Martin will be called upon for big minutes as Molly Davis went down but the Hawkeyes know she is reliable and can also count on Sydney Affolter to provide valuable minutes.
As the Hawkeyes head to the Big Ten Tournament, things are trending upward for this team. They look like they can beat anyone in the country if they play as they did against Ohio State.
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