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Recap: Iowa survives Final Four thriller vs. UConn to advance to national title game

Recap: Iowa survives Final Four thriller vs. UConn to advance to national title game
STRAIGHT YEAR. THIS WAS A GAME WHERE NERVES COULD HAVE PLAYED A FACTOR. DOWN 12 TO UCONN, A TEAM WITH ALL THE PEDIGREE. BUT NO. THE HAWKEYES STAYED TRUE. I DON’T I DIDN’T FEEL NERVES. I DON’T THINK OUR TEAM REALLY FELT NERVES. I THOUGHT, YOU KNOW, LIKE I SAID, WE STAYED REALLY LEVEL HEADED. WE STAY POISED BECAUSE WE’VE BEEN IN TOUGH SITUATIONS BEFORE AND WE KNOW THAT WE CAN, YOU KNOW, WE CAN SCORE IN A HURRY WHEN WE NEED TO. AND SO BUT MAINLY WE GOT STOPS AND THAT REALLY HELPED US. AND WE YOU KNOW, WE LET MADE OUR DEFENSE TURN TO OUR OFFENSE. AND SO THAT’S REALLY WHAT BROUGHT US BACK INTO IT. I THINK OUR SHOTS WEREN’T REALLY FALLING IN THE FIRST HALF, WHICH UM, CAUSED OUR OFFENSE TO STRUGGLE A BIT. YOU KNOW, I THINK WE SHOULD HAVE DROVE A LOT MORE THAN KEEPS SHOOTING. BUT, YOU KNOW, SHOOTERS SHOOT AND WE TOLD EACH OTHER, LIKE, KEEP SHOOTING, THAT WE HAVE ALL THE CONFIDENCE IN EACH OTHER AND, YOU KNOW, DON’T DON’T BACK DOWN. KEEP SHOOTING AND SWEET ELATION ON TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. YOU KNOW, TO DO IT WITH THIS GROUP OF GIRLS TO GET BACK TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. WE’RE JUST SO PROUD AND, YOU KNOW, WE WE WANT TO KEEP PLAYING WITH THIS GROUP. THIS GROUP IS SPECIAL AND WE’RE GLAD TO DO IT AGAIN. SO I HAVEN’T GOTTEN A CHANCE TO KIND OF LIKE SOAK IT IN AND SOAK IN HOW LIKE THAT’S NOT AN EASY THING. LIKE THAT’S NOT LIKE REALITY FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE. UM, AND HOW HARD IT’S LIKE TAKEN US TO GET HERE AND JUST WHAT WE’VE EXPERIENCED ALL SEASON LONG WITH EACH OTHER AND THE UPS AND DOWNS OF THE SEASON. AND NOW IT’S HERE, UM, OR ONE OF TWO TEAMS PLAYING STILL. I MEAN, THAT’S CRAZY. UH, BUT, YOU KNOW, IT KIND OF MAKES ALL THE WORK AND ALL THE UPS AND THE DOWNS OF THE SEASON WORTH IT IN THE WIN. CAITLIN CLARKE 21 POINTS, NINE REBOUNDS, SEVEN ASSISTS. IT WAS NOT HER BEST OFFENSIVE GAME SCORING WISE, BUT NEARLY A TRIPLE DOUBLE. AND YOU KNOW IOWA AVERAGING 92 POINTS A GAME. THEY ONLY HAD 71. BUT THIS WAS A COMPLETE EFFORT. IT WAS A NAIL BITER FOR SURE. HANNAH STARKEY LIKE WE SAID CAME UP BIG A GAME HIGH 23 POINTS BUT SHE WAS SHUT DOWN IN THE FIRST HALF. HONESTLY, ALL OF IOWA’S OFFENSE WAS SHUT DOWN, BUT THEY CAME TOGETHER WITH DEFENSIVE STOPS. IT WAS A COMPLETE EFFORT. THREE PLAYERS SCORED IN DOUBLE FIGURES AND UCONN HELD TO UNDER 70 POINTS, NINE POINTS? YEAH, PAIGE BECKER’S HELD TO ONLY 17. GABBY MARSHALL A FANTASTIC JOB ON HER ALL NIGHT LONG. YEAH. YOU KNOW CAITLIN CLARK’S NOT GOING TO HIT 41. AND THE FACT THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO WIN IT BODES WELL FOR THEM. AND LOOKING AHEAD TO SOUTH CAROLINA THOUGH WE GOT A CHAMPIONSHIP COMING UP SUNDAY AT 2:00. SAFE TO SAY WITH WHAT SOUTH CAROLINA DID UH, BLOWING OUT NC STATE IN THE FIRST GAME OF THE NIGHT, IOWA I DON’T THINK CAN WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP WITH KIND OF A BEDFORD TYPE GAME. WE’RE GOING TO HAVE TO SEE HEROIC CAITLIN LIMIT THOSE TURNOVERS BECAUSE THERE WERE A LOT OF TURNOVERS, UH, HERE ON FRIDAY NIGHT BY IOWA, 12 IN THE FIRST HALF ALONE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. THAT JUST CANNOT HAPPEN AGAIN. SOUTH CAROLINA BECAUSE THEY SCORE THE GAMECOCKS ON ALMOST EVERY SINGLE POSSESSION. AND THEY HAVE THAT MASSIVE KAMILA CARDOSO WHO CAN REALLY DO ANYTHING THING HONESTLY BETTER THAN ALIYAH BOSTON FROM LAST SEASON. IN MY OPINION, SHE’S BEEN THEIR WORKHORSE AND SOUTH CAROLINA, I MEAN, THEY ARE ROLLING RIGHT NOW. THEY GOT THE LENGTH, THEY GOT THE HEIGHT. THEY GOT EVERYTHING GOING FOR THEM. IT’S GOING TO BE UP TO IOWA. WHO IS GOING TO COME IN AS THE UNDERDOGS TO UPSET THEM AND KNOCK DOWN THOSE SHOTS? YEAH, THEY’VE GOT EVERYTHING GOING FOR THEM, BUT THEY DON’T HAVE CAITLIN CLARK AND THEY DON’T HAVE THE SPIRIT OF THIS HAWKEYE TEAM. WITH THE SCHOOL RECORD FOR WINS. I WOULD BEAT THEM LAST YEAR WHEN I WHEN SOUTH CAR
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Recap: Iowa survives Final Four thriller vs. UConn to advance to national title game
Iowa is going back to the national title game.No. 1 seed Iowa is back in the Final Four for the second year in a row with plans to bring home even more hardware. The Hawkeyes got past No. 3 seed UConn after a wild finish and will advance to Sunday's national title game vs. No. 1 seed South Carolina, which picked apart No. 3 seed North Carolina State in the early game in Cleveland.Video above: Kate Martin says 'let's go win it all' after beating UConnvlog has crews in Cleveland bringing you coverage of Iowa's quest for a national title.Final: Iowa 71, UConn 69Who would've thought the key to Iowa's win would be a Caitlin Clark missed free throw?Sydney Affolter's offensive rebound clinched it, as UConn ran out of time on the final possession.Hawkeye Addison O'Grady interviews teammates after Final Four victoryPostgame interview: Kate Martin says 'let's go win it all'Postgame interview: Sydney Affolter reacts to Final Four victoryCaitlin Clark misses free throw, but Sydney Affolter grabs offensive rebound to seal itIowa is going to survive.After Clark missed the second of two free throws, Sydney Affolter came away with a massive offensive board to keep possession.Iowa is going back to the title game.UConn called for offensive foul with chance to win itAaliyah Edwards was called for an offensive foul with under 4 seconds to go as UConn had a chance to win it. Iowa will take over and likely be fouled and need to hit free throws.UConn closes the gapIowa leads, 68-64, with under 3:00 to go. It's crunch time. Hawkeyes pulling away from UConnThe Hawkeyes can feel it now.Iowa is up 66-57, its largest lead of the night, thanks to a hot start to the fourth quarter. UConn is 1-for-10 from beyond the 3-point line since halftime.Caitlin Clark back over 20 points for the 48th game in a rowIt hasn't been the most efficient night of her career, but Clark is up to 20 points for the 48th straight game. End of third quarter: Iowa 51, UConn 51Just 10 minutes to go, and it might as well be zero-zero.Iowa won that quarter 25-19. Hannah Stuelke has been the savior for the Hawkeyes so far, posting a game-high 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting.Jason Sudeikis in attendance at the women's Final FourIowa's favorite celebrity fan is in the crowd!Nika Muhl, Kate Martin both return from the locker roomWe might be back to full strength for both teams shortly. Both Muhl and Martin are back from the locker room after sustaining minor injuries.Muhl is back on the court but appears to be limping while guarding Caitlin Clark.KK Arnold picks up fourth foul; Nika Muhl, Kate Martin injuredFreshman KK Arnold just earned her fourth foul, while defensive star Nika Muhl just walked off the court with an injury. Things are getting dicey for UConn.For the Hawkeyes, Kate Martin appeared to take a forearm to the face and is heading back to the locker room.Geno Auriemma calls timeout as Iowa ties it up We've got ourselves a ballgame in Cleveland.Clark's huge 4-point play and Stuelke's subsequent layup have tied the game, and UConn wants to talk things over. It's 45-45 with about 3:00 to go in the third period. Buckle up.Caitlin Clark hits huge 4-point play to trim UConn leadWhat's the saying? "Big-time players make big-time plays."Caitlin Clark did just that. With Iowa trailing by five points, Clark nailed a 3-pointer and drew a foul, adding the free throw to complete the 4-point play and bring the Hawkeyes within one.Almost immediately after, Hannah Stuelke ties the game at 45 apiece.Photos: See all the action from Iowa vs. UConnCheck out photos from the game below!Iowa offense waking up, but UConn still leadsIt's 41-37 UConn with 4:59 to go in the third quarter. Iowa's offense is showing signs of life, but UConn has answered. Paige Bueckers has already matched her first-half field goal total (three) in the first five minutes of the second half.Clark hits her first threeAfter six misses, No. 22 is on the board from beyond the arc. Clark hit a pullup three after coming off a pair of screens to bring Iowa within one possession.Clark was whistled for a foul, her second, shortly after.Halftime: UConn 32, Iowa 26Iowa went on a 10-2 run to trim into the lead, but UConn is still in control after 20 minutes.Clark is 0-for-6 from beyond the 3-point line. She has 6 points to go along with 4 assists and 3 turnovers.The bright side for Iowa: Paige Bueckers hasn't had her A-game tonight. The UConn superstar is 3-for-9 with 7 points and a pair of turnovers.Three UConn starters have two fouls.UConn extends lead at second quarter media timeoutIt's 28-18 in favor of UConn with just a few minutes to go before halftime. Clark finished a layup at the rim for her second bucket of the game, but the Hawkeyes will need to improve upon their current 35% shooting in order to close the gap.Nika Muhl called for second foulWith over 5:00 to go before halftime, UConn's best perimeter defender now has two fouls. That could be a difference-maker for Clark, who started 1-for-6 while primarily being guarded by Muhl.For now, UConn is keeping Muhl in the game with two fouls. Lisa Bluder takes timeout with Iowa trailing 25-16UConn's defense is frustrating Iowa, which can't seem to stop turning it over.Lisa Bluder just called for a timeout after an Aaliyah Edwards pick-six on a failed pass from Caitlin Clark. Clark is up to three turnovers (Iowa has 10 as a team) leading to visible frustration from Clark and other Hawkeyes.End of the first quarter: UConn 19, Iowa 14The story of the first quarter: Eight turnovers for Iowa, which is also shooting 22% from the 3-point line against an aggressive UConn defense. UConn's defense is the second-best rated defense Iowa has faced all season behind only West Virginia, which held Iowa to 64 points, its second lowest total of the year.Caitlin Clark has 2 points (1-for-5 shooting) and 2 assists.Caitlin Clark rocking the Kobe Bruce Lees vs. UConnSneaker watch: Clark is wearing the black and yellow Nike Kobe 5 Protro (performance + retro) Bruce Lees she's been wearing all tournament. UConn takes early leadIt's 13-7 in favor of the Huskies at the first media timeout with 4:59 remaining in the first quarter.Caitlin Clark has been quiet since scoring on Iowa's first possession. She's 1-for-4 from the field and picked up her first foul of the game.UConn freshman KK Arnold has 6 points and the Huskies are 5-for-8 from the floor as a team.Caitlin Clark strikes firstAfter a quick UConn turnover, Iowa takes an early 2-0 lead on a Caitlin Clark layup.How to watch Iowa vs. UConn in the Final FourWhen: Updated tip-off time: 8:32 p.m. CT, Friday, April 5Where: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, OhioTV: ESPNStream: Watch ESPNIOWA VS. UCONN: How to watch Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes in the Final FourHawkeye fans aren't shy about who they're rooting forIt's a familiar cheer if you've been around many Iowa games. And Hawkeye fans let everyone around them know who they were rooting for — loudly — at a pep rally Friday afternoon in Cleveland.Gimmie an I. I!Gimmie an O. O!Gimmie a W. W!Gimmie an A. A!What's that spell? IOWA!Remember, these Hawkeyes are student-athletesIowa forward Addison O'Grady and other Hawkeyes say they had to work with their professors to make sure they didn't fall behind while on the road during the NCAA Tournament.O'Grady said Thursday she was supposed to have an exam, but was given extra time to do it once she gets back to Iowa City.Kansas City Chiefs pledge support to Caitlin ClarkThe two-time defending Super Bowl champs are backing Iowa and Caitlin Clark.The Chiefs posted on both Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, a photo of Clark as a child wearing a Chiefs jersey."You cheered for us," the post reads. "Now it's our turn!"WATCH: Here's what Patrick Mahomes said when asked about Caitlin Clark during a Super Bowl news conferenceCaitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckersvlog sports director Scott Reister takes a look at the superstar showdown between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers and offers a glimpse into how Iowa can win Friday night.Tough game? That's an understatementvlog sports reporter Jeff Dubrof breaks down the Iowa-UConn matchup in the video below:Fan frenzy at Clark's former schoolThere's a lot of excitement about Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in West Des Moines. Clark attended elementary and middle school there before attending Dowling Catholic High School.Watch the video below to see a sea of black and gold Friday at St. Francis, with students chanting "Cait. Lin. Clark!" over and over.Iowa fans take over The LandThousands of Hawkeyes fans traveled to Cleveland to support the Iowa women. They crowded bars and restaurants Friday, hours before the Final Four game. Hawkeyes almost all business in Cleveland, but still visited Rock & Roll Hall of FameCoach Bluder creates culture of love, family in Iowa basketball program"People are valued in our program," Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said Thursday when the Hawkeyes met the media. Bluder may be best known as Caitlin Clark's coach and while most credit for Iowa's success over the past two years has been heaped on the program's 6-foot superstar on the court, Clark and the other Hawkeyes players give credit to the 62-year-old mentor on the sideline."Coach Bluder is a Hall of Fame coach," Clark said Sunday. "I think the biggest thing for me throughout the recruiting process that I loved about her is she's a player's coach. She's not going to have a set offense that you have to run. She's going to tailor everything to what she has on her team and what's going to put her team in positions to be very successful."Iowa March Madness watch partiesVal Air Ballroom in West Des Moines will host a watch party for both Final Four games scheduled this Friday.Admission is free. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tables and seating are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to a news release. Food and drinks will be available.You can see more information about the event here.Carver-Hawkeye Arena will also host a watch party.Doors will open at 7 p.m. Fans can view the game on the jumbotron from the east side of the arena in sections NN, N, M, L, MM, LL and KK, according to a release from the athletics department.The release states there will be in-game entertainment along with concessions. The Hawkeye Fan Shop will be open as well. Parking will be free.Final Four ticketsIf you're in Cleveland or heading that direction and still need tickets, here's where you can find them:TicketmasterStubHubSeatGeekVivid SeatsTickPickTicketNetworkTicketCity Award season for Caitlin ClarkCaitlin Clark is capping her illustrious college career with another record-breaking season and another set of prestigious awards. This week Clark won the Naismith and Associated Press player of the year awards. Meet the Iowa womenClark leads the Hawkeyes in almost every statistical category — points per game (32), rebounds (7.3), assists (9), and steals (1.5). Two others average double-digit scoring — forward Hannah Stuelke (13.8) and guard Kate Martin (13.1).Senior guard Gabbie Marshall said Thursday the Final Four is a little more special to her, since it's being played in her home state of Ohio. After winning the Big Ten tournament title, Iowa earned a No. 1 seed and opened the NCAA Tournament with a 91-65 win over Holy Cross, which was the most-viewed first-round game in women's NCAA Tournament history. The Hawkeyes have also drawn record viewership for each of the games that followed, including their Elite Eight victory over LSU that is the most-watched women's basketball game ever. HAWKEYES IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENTRound 1: Hawkeyes run away from Holy CrossMarch Madness: Highlights and photos from Iowa's win over Holy CrossRound of 32: Hawkeyes survive to top West Virginia, 64-54March Madness: Highlights and photos from Iowa-West VirginiaSweet 16: Hawkeyes have no problem with Colorado, set up rematch vs. LSUMarch Madness: Highlights and photos from Iowa-Colorado in the Sweet 16Elite Eight: Clark leads Iowa back to Final Four, scoring 41 points in win over LSUMarch Madness: Highlights and photos from Iowa-LSU in the Elite EightWhat to know about UConnRecord: 33-5Conference: Big East (18-0; first place)Coach: Geno Auriemma (1213-161 in 39 years at UConn)NCAA Tournament history: We'll try to give you the short version.The Huskies are the most storied program in women's college basketball. The school boasts more national titles than any other program (11) and hasn't missed an NCAA Tournament since 1988. UConn has been to at least the Sweet 16 every season since 1993.UConn is making its 23rd — yes, 23rd — Final Four appearance. The Huskies had appeared in every Final Four since 2008 before that streak was snapped last season.Caitlin Clark points trackerIt's been a season of milestones for Clark, who now owns the all-time NCAA scoring record, as well as the single-season scoring mark and the record for most made 3-pointers in a season. Heading into the Final Four she has exactly 3,900 points in 137 games for a 28.5 career average.What basketball shoes does Caitlin Clark wear?Clark has been partial to late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant's signature shoes over the last several seasons. Makes sense, since Nike makes Kobes and Clark has a name, image and likeness deal with Nike. More often than not, it seems, Clark wears the black and yellow Kobe 5 Protro Bruce Lees, which fit perfectly with Iowa's uniforms.More Hawkeyes coverage

Iowa is going back to the national title game.

No. 1 seed Iowa is back in the Final Four for the second year in a row with plans to bring home even more hardware. The Hawkeyes got past No. 3 seed UConn after a wild finish and will advance to Sunday's national title game vs. No. 1 seed South Carolina, which picked apart No. 3 seed North Carolina State in the early game in Cleveland.

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Video above: Kate Martin says 'let's go win it all' after beating UConn

vlog has crews in Cleveland bringing you coverage of Iowa's quest for a national title.

Final: Iowa 71, UConn 69

Who would've thought the key to Iowa's win would be a Caitlin Clark missed free throw?

Sydney Affolter's offensive rebound clinched it, as UConn ran out of time on the final possession.

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Hawkeye Addison O'Grady interviews teammates after Final Four victory

Postgame interview: Kate Martin says 'let's go win it all'

Postgame interview: Sydney Affolter reacts to Final Four victory

Caitlin Clark misses free throw, but Sydney Affolter grabs offensive rebound to seal it

Iowa is going to survive.

After Clark missed the second of two free throws, Sydney Affolter came away with a massive offensive board to keep possession.

Iowa is going back to the title game.

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UConn called for offensive foul with chance to win it

Aaliyah Edwards was called for an offensive foul with under 4 seconds to go as UConn had a chance to win it. Iowa will take over and likely be fouled and need to hit free throws.

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UConn closes the gap

Iowa leads, 68-64, with under 3:00 to go. It's crunch time.

Hawkeyes pulling away from UConn

The Hawkeyes can feel it now.

Iowa is up 66-57, its largest lead of the night, thanks to a hot start to the fourth quarter. UConn is 1-for-10 from beyond the 3-point line since halftime.

Caitlin Clark back over 20 points for the 48th game in a row

It hasn't been the most efficient night of her career, but Clark is up to 20 points for the 48th straight game.

End of third quarter: Iowa 51, UConn 51

Just 10 minutes to go, and it might as well be zero-zero.

Iowa won that quarter 25-19. Hannah Stuelke has been the savior for the Hawkeyes so far, posting a game-high 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting.

Jason Sudeikis in attendance at the women's Final Four

Iowa's favorite celebrity fan is in the crowd!

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Nika Muhl, Kate Martin both return from the locker room

We might be back to full strength for both teams shortly. Both Muhl and Martin are back from the locker room after sustaining minor injuries.

Muhl is back on the court but appears to be limping while guarding Caitlin Clark.

KK Arnold picks up fourth foul; Nika Muhl, Kate Martin injured

Freshman KK Arnold just earned her fourth foul, while defensive star Nika Muhl just walked off the court with an injury. Things are getting dicey for UConn.

For the Hawkeyes, Kate Martin appeared to take a forearm to the face and is heading back to the locker room.

Geno Auriemma calls timeout as Iowa ties it up

We've got ourselves a ballgame in Cleveland.

Clark's huge 4-point play and Stuelke's subsequent layup have tied the game, and UConn wants to talk things over. It's 45-45 with about 3:00 to go in the third period. Buckle up.

Caitlin Clark hits huge 4-point play to trim UConn lead

What's the saying? "Big-time players make big-time plays."

Caitlin Clark did just that. With Iowa trailing by five points, Clark nailed a 3-pointer and drew a foul, adding the free throw to complete the 4-point play and bring the Hawkeyes within one.

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Almost immediately after, Hannah Stuelke ties the game at 45 apiece.

Photos: See all the action from Iowa vs. UConn

Check out photos from the game below!

Iowa offense waking up, but UConn still leads

It's 41-37 UConn with 4:59 to go in the third quarter. Iowa's offense is showing signs of life, but UConn has answered. Paige Bueckers has already matched her first-half field goal total (three) in the first five minutes of the second half.

Clark hits her first three

After six misses, No. 22 is on the board from beyond the arc. Clark hit a pullup three after coming off a pair of screens to bring Iowa within one possession.

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Clark was whistled for a foul, her second, shortly after.

Halftime: UConn 32, Iowa 26

Iowa went on a 10-2 run to trim into the lead, but UConn is still in control after 20 minutes.

Clark is 0-for-6 from beyond the 3-point line. She has 6 points to go along with 4 assists and 3 turnovers.

The bright side for Iowa: Paige Bueckers hasn't had her A-game tonight. The UConn superstar is 3-for-9 with 7 points and a pair of turnovers.

Three UConn starters have two fouls.

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UConn extends lead at second quarter media timeout

It's 28-18 in favor of UConn with just a few minutes to go before halftime. Clark finished a layup at the rim for her second bucket of the game, but the Hawkeyes will need to improve upon their current 35% shooting in order to close the gap.

Nika Muhl called for second foul

With over 5:00 to go before halftime, UConn's best perimeter defender now has two fouls. That could be a difference-maker for Clark, who started 1-for-6 while primarily being guarded by Muhl.

For now, UConn is keeping Muhl in the game with two fouls.

Lisa Bluder takes timeout with Iowa trailing 25-16

UConn's defense is frustrating Iowa, which can't seem to stop turning it over.

Lisa Bluder just called for a timeout after an Aaliyah Edwards pick-six on a failed pass from Caitlin Clark. Clark is up to three turnovers (Iowa has 10 as a team) leading to visible frustration from Clark and other Hawkeyes.

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End of the first quarter: UConn 19, Iowa 14

The story of the first quarter: Eight turnovers for Iowa, which is also shooting 22% from the 3-point line against an aggressive UConn defense. UConn's defense is the second-best rated defense Iowa has faced all season behind only West Virginia, which held Iowa to 64 points, its second lowest total of the year.

Caitlin Clark has 2 points (1-for-5 shooting) and 2 assists.

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Caitlin Clark rocking the Kobe Bruce Lees vs. UConn

Sneaker watch: Clark is wearing the black and yellow Nike Kobe 5 Protro (performance + retro) Bruce Lees she's been wearing all tournament.

caitlin clark's shoes at the final four.
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Caitlin Clark’s shoes at the Final Four.

UConn takes early lead

It's 13-7 in favor of the Huskies at the first media timeout with 4:59 remaining in the first quarter.

Caitlin Clark has been quiet since scoring on Iowa's first possession. She's 1-for-4 from the field and picked up her first foul of the game.

UConn freshman KK Arnold has 6 points and the Huskies are 5-for-8 from the floor as a team.

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Caitlin Clark strikes first

After a quick UConn turnover, Iowa takes an early 2-0 lead on a Caitlin Clark layup.

How to watch Iowa vs. UConn in the Final Four

When: Updated tip-off time: 8:32 p.m. CT, Friday, April 5

Where: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, Ohio

TV: ESPN

Stream:

IOWA VS. UCONN: How to watch Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes in the Final Four

Hawkeye fans aren't shy about who they're rooting for

It's a familiar cheer if you've been around many Iowa games. And Hawkeye fans let everyone around them know who they were rooting for — loudly — at a pep rally Friday afternoon in Cleveland.

Gimmie an I. I!

Gimmie an O. O!

Gimmie a W. W!

Gimmie an A. A!

What's that spell? IOWA!

Remember, these Hawkeyes are student-athletes

Iowa forward Addison O'Grady and other Hawkeyes say they had to work with their professors to make sure they didn't fall behind while on the road during the NCAA Tournament.

O'Grady said Thursday she was supposed to have an exam, but was given extra time to do it once she gets back to Iowa City.

Kansas City Chiefs pledge support to Caitlin Clark

The two-time defending Super Bowl champs are backing Iowa and Caitlin Clark.

The Chiefs posted on both Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, a photo of Clark as a child wearing a Chiefs jersey.

"You cheered for us," the post reads. "Now it's our turn!"

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WATCH: Here's what Patrick Mahomes said when asked about Caitlin Clark during a Super Bowl news conference

Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers

vlog sports director Scott Reister takes a look at the superstar showdown between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers and offers a glimpse into how Iowa can win Friday night.

Tough game? That's an understatement

vlog sports reporter Jeff Dubrof breaks down the Iowa-UConn matchup in the video below:

Fan frenzy at Clark's former school

There's a lot of excitement about Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in West Des Moines. Clark attended elementary and middle school there before attending Dowling Catholic High School.

Watch the video below to see a sea of black and gold Friday at St. Francis, with students chanting "Cait. Lin. Clark!" over and over.

Iowa fans take over The Land

Thousands of Hawkeyes fans traveled to Cleveland to support the Iowa women. They crowded bars and restaurants Friday, hours before the Final Four game.

Hawkeyes almost all business in Cleveland, but still visited Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Coach Bluder creates culture of love, family in Iowa basketball program

"People are valued in our program," Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said Thursday when the Hawkeyes met the media.

Bluder may be best known as Caitlin Clark's coach and while most credit for Iowa's success over the past two years has been heaped on the program's 6-foot superstar on the court, Clark and the other Hawkeyes players give credit to the 62-year-old mentor on the sideline.

"Coach Bluder is a Hall of Fame coach," Clark said Sunday. "I think the biggest thing for me throughout the recruiting process that I loved about her is she's a player's coach. She's not going to have a set offense that you have to run. She's going to tailor everything to what she has on her team and what's going to put her team in positions to be very successful."




Iowa March Madness watch parties

Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines will host a watch party for both Final Four games scheduled this Friday.

Admission is free. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tables and seating are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to a news release. Food and drinks will be available.

You can see .

Carver-Hawkeye Arena will also host a watch party.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. Fans can view the game on the jumbotron from the east side of the arena in sections NN, N, M, L, MM, LL and KK, according to a release from the athletics department.

The release states there will be in-game entertainment along with concessions. The Hawkeye Fan Shop will be open as well. Parking will be free.

Final Four tickets

If you're in Cleveland or heading that direction and still need tickets, here's where you can find them:

Award season for Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark is capping her illustrious college career with another record-breaking season and another set of prestigious awards. This week Clark won the Naismith and Associated Press player of the year awards.

Meet the Iowa women

Clark leads the Hawkeyes in almost every statistical category — points per game (32), rebounds (7.3), assists (9), and steals (1.5). Two others average double-digit scoring — forward Hannah Stuelke (13.8) and guard Kate Martin (13.1).

Senior guard Gabbie Marshall said Thursday the Final Four is a little more special to her, since it's being played in her home state of Ohio.

After winning the Big Ten tournament title, Iowa earned a No. 1 seed and opened the NCAA Tournament with a 91-65 win over Holy Cross, which was the most-viewed first-round game in women's NCAA Tournament history. The Hawkeyes have also drawn record viewership for each of the games that followed, including their Elite Eight victory over LSU that is the most-watched women's basketball game ever.

HAWKEYES IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT

What to know about UConn

Record: 33-5

Conference: Big East (18-0; first place)

Coach: Geno Auriemma (1213-161 in 39 years at UConn)

NCAA Tournament history: We'll try to give you the short version.

The Huskies are the most storied program in women's college basketball. The school boasts more national titles than any other program (11) and hasn't missed an NCAA Tournament since 1988. UConn has been to at least the Sweet 16 every season since 1993.

UConn is making its 23rd — yes, 23rd — Final Four appearance. The Huskies had appeared in every Final Four since 2008 before that streak was snapped last season.

Caitlin Clark points tracker

It's been a season of milestones for , who now owns the all-time NCAA scoring record, as well as the single-season scoring mark and the record for most made 3-pointers in a season. Heading into the Final Four she has exactly 3,900 points in 137 games for a 28.5 career average.

What basketball shoes does Caitlin Clark wear?

Clark has been partial to late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant's signature shoes over the last several seasons. Makes sense, since Nike makes Kobes and Clark has a name, image and likeness deal with Nike. More often than not, it seems, Clark wears the black and yellow Kobe 5 Protro Bruce Lees, which fit perfectly with Iowa's uniforms.

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