Final Four: Here come the Hawkeyes! The biggest takeaways from Iowa’s Elite 8 win

Your Iowa Hawkeyes are headed to the Final Four!

This season has been an incredible ride already but it has leveled up from something fun to thrusting itself into the history books and memories as one of the best seasons ever for a Hawkeyes’ squad.

In what was essentially like playing another game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena last night due to the support from Iowa fans, the Hawkeyes put on a show to make the trip worthwhile. The 97-83 win over Louisville in the Elite Eight sends the Iowa Hawkeyes to the Final Four in Dallas. It just their second time advancing this far into the tournament and the first since 1993.

The incredible part about this game was that it took everyone. There were contributions across the board and some to dive deeper into but all deserve their flowers. Monika Czinano once again showed her dominance in the paint with a masterclass on footwork.

Kate Martin is a glue piece that makes this team go and her contributions can’t be forgotten. Hannah Stuelke played significant minutes and played them well in the biggest moment of her young career. Assistant coach Jan Jensen, coaching with a heavy heart, dug deep and helped lead this family of Hawkeyes to a Final Four.

There are countless takeaways to discuss from this performance, but here are five of the biggest takeaways from the Hawkeyes’ Elite Eight victory over Louisville.

Caitlin Clark is the most entertaining player on the planet

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

41 points. 12 assists. 10 rebounds. A triple-double in the Elite Eight to go to the Final Four. This is arguably the single best performance of all-time in an NCAA Tournament game, men’s or women’s.

Every time she steps onto the court, magic happens. Clark has delivered triple-doubles, scores at will, and finds teammates with passes that make heads spin. She is the most entertaining basketball player on the planet and anytime she steps on the court for a big game, it has become appointment television to see what’s in store for her next act.

Lisa Bluder's coaching was exquisite

(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Lisa Bluder put out a textbook performance on how to coach a game in this one. The biggest, and most successful point of emphasis was the long two-point shots she dared Louisville to take. They are lower percentage shots with low efficiency. Iowa dared them to shoot it and it worked out to perfection.

Offensively, Bluder had such a feel of the pulse of her team. She made substitutes at the right moments and trusted her players. From the faith in veteran McKenna Warnock to calling on freshman Hannah Stuelke, this coaching performance was a masterclass.

McKenna Warnock shined brightly

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Something about experienced players answering the moment in March. McKenna Warnock shined the brightest she has all year in her biggest moment yet.

Warnock chipped in 17 points on a 6-10 shooting performance to thrust Iowa ahead. The senior wasn’t ready for the curtain to close and her performance last night had her among the stars of the show.

Gabbie Marshall kept on shooting

(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Something changed with Gabbie Marshall when the postseason began and it hasn’t stopped. Her ability to keep shooting last night made all the difference. In the first half, Marshall had three shots that were halfway down and rimmed out.

Rather than letting fear sink in, Marshall trusted herself and kept shooting. In the third quarter, she began 3-3 from three to lead the 30-16 barrage the Hawkeyes delivered to Louisville that proved to be the difference. Her 14 points on 5-12 shooting gives her a green light that will never turn off.

This season has gone from special to historic

(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Big Ten Tournament champs. A No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Appearances in the Sweet 16 and Elite 8. Those made this season special. Advancing to the Final Four takes it up a notch to downright historic.

Just the second trip to the Final Four for the Hawkeyes and the first under Lisa Bluder, this is a year that won’t soon be forgotten. That said, this isn’t the conversation inside that locker room. There is more to be done and the Hawkeyes want to keep this ride going.

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Story originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire