Fans of Hawkeyes react as Iowa returns to the Sweet 16
Fifth-year guard Gabbie Marshall stopped JJ Quinerly of West Virginia, which set up Iowa’s game-winning run. Sydney Affolter, a junior guard, would go on to score a and-1 bucket on the opposite end to put Iowa ahead 55-52.
From then on, Iowa (31-4, 15-3 Big Ten) produced more crucial defensive stops and made 9 of 10 free throw attempts in the final seconds to finish off West Virginia (25-8, 12-6 Big 12) in an exciting 64-54 grindout.
With 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists in the game, senior sensation Caitlin Clark made all five of Iowa’s 3-pointers.
Two more players who scored in double figures, Affolter and sophomore forward Hannah Stuelke, with 13 and 12 points apiece, joined Clark. With seven points in the game, Kate Martin, a graduate guard, was the only other Hawkeye to score.
Though she grabbed ten rebounds, Martin was equally important on the glass. In a physical contest, Stuelke earned a double-double by pulling down 11 rebounds in addition to her twelve points.
Fans had a very emotional trip to Iowa. The survive and advance result ultimately satisfied Hawkeye supporters.