Takeaways as Iowa gets revenge on Buckeyes; Caitlin Clark becomes NCAA all-time scoring leader
The Iowa Hawkeyes earned what may be their best and most important win of the regular season in its finale.
The Hawkeyes exacted revenge on the Ohio State Buckeyes in front of a raucous crowd inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes outlasted Ohio State, 93-83, and head into the postseason riding a wave of confidence but also some new questions.
The day was highlighted by Caitlin Clark becoming the all-time NCAA scoring leader. The record was held by the great Pete Maravich (3,667 points). While that was the story of the day, the Hawkeyes’ win featured contributions from all over.
Clark got hers with 35 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds. Hannah Stuelke had 23 points and 9 rebounds. Gabbie Marshall poured in 12 points with her outside shooting coming in clutch, and Kate Martin was steady as ever with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Not to be forgotten, Syndey Affolter and Kylie Feuerbach combined for 10 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the Iowa Hawkeyes’ big win over the Ohio State Buckeyes to close the regular season.
Caitlin Clark is officially the greatest collegiate scorer ever
With the first half winding down, Caitlin Clark took her place alone at the top of the NCAA scoring ladder. With two free throws, she passed Pete Maravich’s long-standing record and became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer.
In a way, the record has to be a weight off Clark’s shoulders and a storyline she can put behind her as the Hawkeyes get ready for postseason play.
Molly Davis' potential absence can't be ignored
The status of Molly Davis and her right knee injury remains a concern to the Hawkeyes. Davis is part of the glue of this team with rebounds, steals and gritty defense.
Her potential absence is something to monitor for Iowa as it enters postseason play. If she misses time, extended minutes could go to Taylor McCabe, Sydney Affolter and Kylie Feuerbach.
Gabbie Marshall is heating up
If there was anyone on Iowa who needed a good showing at home to end the regular season, it was Gabbie Marshall. The sharpshooter has struggled this season, but Sunday delivered serious signs of life.
Marshall had 16 points against Minnesota, which featured four made 3-point shots. On Sunday, she sank four more 3s, which provides even more confidence entering the postseason.
A No. 1 seed is back in play
Could this win be enough to put Iowa back inside the top four of the polls? One would think it has a chance to leapfrog at least one team given they beat the second-ranked team.
This win brings hopes of being a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament back to life. If Iowa can avoid any upsets during the Big Ten Tournament in the early rounds, it could be playing for a No. 1 seed along with the conference tournament title.
Iowa's real season starts now
The real season now begins for the Iowa Hawkeyes. The postseason has been the plan, goal and priority since the moment the buzzer sounded in last year’s title game.
First up is the Big Ten Tournament where Iowa seeks to defend its title. After that, the NCAA Tournament awaits the Hawkeyes and their desire for another deep run.
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