Caitlin Clark showcased her exceptional talent once again on Sunday, propelling the No. 4 Iowa Hawkeyes to a resounding 101-85 victory over Illinois.
After a disappointing loss to Indiana, Clark’s stellar performance ensured Iowa avoided consecutive defeats for the first time this season.
The Hawkeyes’ star player recorded her 16th career triple-double, marking her fifth of the season, with an impressive stat line of 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Clark’s dominance on the court not only secured the win but also solidified her status as a standout player in NCAA women’s basketball history. Her 24-point contribution further edged her closer to breaking the all-time scoring record held by LSU legend Pete Maravich, trailing by just 51 points.
Iowa took advantage of their advantage, taking a dominating 30-point lead at the end of the first quarter. Illinois tried hard, but they couldn’t muster much of a fight, as Iowa led by ten points the entire time.
Caitlin Clark’s Dominance Secures Iowa’s Lead
Caitlin Clark’s exceptional performance allowed her to rest during the final minutes of the fourth quarter, showcasing Iowa’s comfortable lead.
Notably, Clark’s scoring prowess was complemented by her efficient shooting, needing just 18
attempts to reach her 24-point total. Her proficiency from beyond the arc, sinking 5 of 14 3-pointers, proved instrumental in thwarting Illinois’ attempts at a comeback.
Additionally, Iowa’s offensive efficiency was on full display, shooting an impressive 50% from the field and 45.9% from 3-point range while assisting on 28 of their 36 made field goals.
Joining Clark in the scoring column were teammates Hannah Stuelke, Molly Davis, and Kate Martin, who contributed significantly to Iowa’s offensive onslaught. Despite a strong offensive showing from Illinois, led by Makira Cook’s 26-point effort, they were unable to match Iowa’s offensive firepower.
With the win, Iowa improved to 24-4 overall and 13-3 in the Big Ten conference, positioning themselves just behind No. 2 Ohio State in the standings. As the regular season nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on Iowa as they prepare to face Ohio State in their upcoming season finale showdown on March 3rd.
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