One down: Takeaways as Iowa Hawkeyes roll past Southeastern Louisiana
The Iowa Hawkeyes seem to have remembered last year’s early exit from the NCAA Tournament and were bound to not let history repeat itself in the first round of this year’s tournament. They came out strong, confident, and an intent to do damage in this tournament. They did just that in a 95-43 victory over Southeastern Louisiana.
Not only did Iowa show out, but every single person in Carver-Hawkeye Arena showed out. The environment was electric and unlike few others in the sport.
Kudos to Southeastern Louisiana as they fought and can hang their hat on that. But, at the end of the day, Iowa is on another level in women’s basketball and flexed their muscles today. It was a team effort on offense and defense with a multitude of members chipping in.
Here are five takeaways from the Hawkeyes’ dominant round one victory in the NCAA Tournament as they roll onto the round of 32 with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line come Sunday.
No "rest versus rust" debate for the Hawkeyes
Syndication: The Des Moines Register
The Hawkeyes wasted no time picking up right where they left off offensively after their Big Ten title. Iowa shot 10-16 (62.5%) from the field in the first quarter to jump out to a 28-17 lead.
Six Hawkeyes found the box score led by Caitlin Clark’s 12 points. Monika Czinano, Gabbie Marshall, Kate Martin, Hannah Stuelke, and Molly Davis all got in on the action early to show off the Hawkeyes’ depth.
Caitlin Clark wants it all
Syndication: The Des Moines Register
Caitlin Clark came out on fire in this one. With 9:05 left in the second quarter, she had already put up 17 points. At the time, she would have been in a 17-19 game if it was her against Southeastern Louisiana. At half, Clark had 19 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
Caitlin Clark doesn’t just want to advance in this tournament. She wants to win, win big, make statements, and lead this team on a late season run. An opening round stat line of 26 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds is just the beginning.
Carver-Hawkeye Arena is electric
Syndication: HawkCentral
There are not many adjectives left to describe what Carver-Hawkeye Arena turns into when this team takes the court. Today was possibly the best of them all. The sellout crowd was loud and enjoyed the show they received today.
Sunday will be another chance to show out and should be even louder with another sellout. The Iowa fans are loud and ignite this team. Watch for these fans to turn the Sweet 16 destination into home away from home if they get the chance.
This isn't a one woman band
Syndication: The Des Moines Register
This entire team contributed today and that is a huge sign as they move on in the tournament. In a setting like this, there is bound to be a game that a supporting member has to step up and today proved Iowa can call on that if needed.
Caitlin Clark: 26 points, 12 assists, 7 rebounds
Monika Czinano: 22 points, 8 rebounds
Hannah Stuelke: 13 points,5 rebounds
Gabbie Marshall, McKenna Warnock, Molly Davis, Kate Martin: 20 points combined, 13 rebounds combined, 8 assists combined
No. 10 Georgia stands between a spot in the Sweet 16
(Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
In the early game, the No. 10 Georgia Bulldogs took down No. 7 Florida State. Iowa will meet them on Sunday with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line.
Carver-Hawkeye Arena is a sellout crowd and will be raucous to see the Hawkeyes advance in the NCAA Tournament. Iowa gets the lower seed in the round of 32 and will gladly take them out. This is Iowa’s Sweet 16 spot to lose.
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