Caitlin Clark scored 30 of her 34 points after halftime to help third-ranked Iowa rally past Nebraska 94-89 in overtime and win a third straight Big Ten Tournament on Sunday.
Clark expressed her joy at cutting the net after the game at Target Center in front of Hawkeyes fans, saying, “It never gets old.
Hannah Stuelke contributed 25 points and nine rebounds for Iowa, which was behind by 13 points in the first half while Clark missed all nine of her 3-point attempts.
Hawkeyes coach Lisa Bluder stated, “You can maybe keep Caitlin down for a half. You’re not keeping her down for a whole game.”
The top NCAA scorer finished 5 for 17 from deep, made 12 assists, and hit a crucial 3-pointer in OT to secure an 89-87 lead.
Clark expressed confidence in her shooting, saying, “I knew some shots were going to go in. That’s just how it works.”
Alexis Markowski led Nebraska with 23 points and 13 rebounds in a valiant effort that fell short of a second victory over Iowa this season.
Nebraska coach Amy Williams expressed disappointment at the loss, stating, “Nobody else did, but we expected to win.”
Natalie Potts contributed 21 points and nine rebounds for the Huskers, who were ahead 75-67 with 2 1/2 minutes to go in regulation.
Nebraska played for the final shot, and Nissley’s attempt was short. Clark then rallied the crowd, shouting, “Come on! Five more minutes!”
The Hawkeyes were cautious of Jaz Shelley on the last possession of regulation after the Australian hit a 3-pointer in their last meeting.
Williams acknowledged the tightened defense in the last moments of regulation, stating, “I would’ve, too.”
The Huskers played their fourth game in four days, reaching the conference final for the first time in 10 years.
These regional rivals played a fierce game befitting their matchups on the football field, with bodies hitting the floor and intense competition around the basket.
Markowski and Potts played fearlessly inside after Iowa's dominant performance in the paint against Michigan.
Clark said she's most proud that they found a different way to win.
Clark quickly cut into Nebraska’s 46-35 halftime lead by making a stepback jumper from the foul line. Her first deep shot finally went in when she moved right off the break and made a pullup from the wing to bring Iowa within 48-42, and she pumped her fist with a slight smile on the way back.
Going off high screens was a successful strategy. Clark gave the Hawkeyes their first lead since 5-4 when she did just that off a pass from Kate Martin — who made all three of her 3-pointers after the third quarter — and smoothly drove in for a layup that made it 53-52.
