Rutgers women’s basketball: Caitlin Clark leads Iowa into Piscataway

On Friday night, Rutgers women’s basketball will face their toughest test of the season in No. 4 Iowa. The Hawkeyes, ranked as the fourth-best team in the country, are led by one of the best players in the nation, Caitlin Clark.

Rutgers’ home venue, Jersey Mike’s Arena, is sold-out for the game.

Entering this matchup, the Hawkeyes are heavily favored due to their 14-1 start. They have won 11 straight games and have not lost since November 16. During their winning streak, Caitlin Clark has been a human highlight reel.

While Rutgers enters this game on a five-game losing streak, their last two games have provided some optimism. After getting off to slow starts, the Scarlet Knights have battled back to make games close. However, against Iowa, a slow start will be fatal.

Against the Hawkeyes, Rutgers will need Kaylene Smikle and Chyna Cornwell at their best. Smikle has set the tone offensively, averaging 16.1 points a game. Cornwell has been a rebound machine, averaging a team-high 8.5 rebounds a game. If they struggled it will be a long night for Rutgers.

Although the talented duo will be watched closely, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark. The Des Moines native is averaging 31.5 points per game. She is also coming off a 40-point performance against Michigan State.

With the Scarlet Knights still searching for their first conference win, they will have their hands full on Friday.

Story originally appeared on Rutgers Wire