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Iowa's Top Seed Survives as Clark Scores 32 to Beat West Virginia
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    Iowa’s Top Seed Survives as Clark Scores 32 to Beat West Virginia

    IOWA CITY, Iowa — Caitlin Clark circled her home court one final time, making a heart-shaped symbol with her hands as the sellout crowd cheered.

    Iowa’s superstar guard scored 32 points to help the No. 1 seed survive one of its worst offensive performances of the season to beat No. 8 seed West Virginia 64-54 on Monday night, advancing to the Sweet 16.

    “I’ve always been one to play to the crowd,” Clark said. “That’s what I kind of do — an entertainer, in a way. I always want to get the crowd going.”

    The Hawkeyes (31-4) advanced to play No. 5 seed Colorado in Saturday’s Albany 2 Regional semifinal.

    It wasn’t easy to advance.

    Iowa had a 10-point lead heading into the fourth quarter before West Virginia scored 10 straight to tie the game. The teams traded points until Sydney Affolter’s three-point play with 2:03 to play — the Hawkeyes’ lone field goal of the fourth quarter — gave Iowa a 55-52 lead.

    Clark and Hannah Stuelke closed the game with nine free throws to clinch the win. The Hawkeyes were 14 of 17 from the foul line in the final quarter while the Mountaineers took just one free throw.

    “I think we used our crowd,” Clark said of the final stretch. “We gave up a 10-0 run to start the quarter, but this team was never flustered. It speaks to our experience. … Wanted to go out on a high note.”

    Clark hit two free throws near the end of the game to break the single-season NCAA Division I scoring record of 1,109 held by Kelsey Plum.

    Clark did not show her emotions as much as she did in Saturday’s 91-65 first-round win over Holy Cross when she was constantly gesturing and occasionally arguing with the officials.

    This game was not nearly as easy of a win, but it’s something the Hawkeyes have been used to in the second round in the last two NCAA Tournaments after losing to 10th-seed Creighton in 2022 and making plays late to defeat Georgia last season.

    “This is definitely up there with the best of them — mentally, emotionally, physically grinding out this out and getting a win,” Clark said.

    Iowa came into the game leading the nation in scoring at 92.8 points per game, but the Hawkeyes were held to their lowest single-game point total this season. Iowa shot just 36.4% from the field, but held the Mountaineers to just 33.9% shooting, including 9 of 34 in 3-pointers.

    Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said winning a game with all of the offensive struggles was “typically not our style.”

    “But we found a way,” she said. “I’m so proud of this team for being able to divert from what usually works for us and find a different way to win.”

    The style of play was exactly what West Virginia, one of the nation’s best teams in forcing turnovers, wanted.

    “Of course, I wish we could have made a few more shots, made a few more plays,” West Virginia coach Mark Kellogg said. “The game went about to script for us, as far as holding them down and giving us a chance late,”

    “Our defence has been our identity all year,” guard JJ Quinerly said. “That just speaks to how tough and resilient we are.”

    Iowa seemed to have control of the game after an 8-0 run over the final 1:25 of the third quarter gave the Hawkeyes a 48-38 lead. But West Virginia opened the fourth quarter with a 10-0 run to tie the game with 5:18 to play, setting up the final minutes.

    It was clear from the start that this was going to be a game of defence. Iowa led just 26-24 at halftime, with both teams going through scoring droughts.

    Affolter had 13 points for the Hawkeyes, while Stuelke added 12 points and 11 rebounds.

    Quinerly led West Virginia (25-8) with 15 points. Kyah Watson had 13 points and Jayla Hemingway had 10 points.

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    In a thrilling matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the West Virginia Mountaineers, Iowa’s top seed managed to survive and advance in the NCAA tournament thanks to a standout performance from guard Jordan Clark. Clark put on a scoring clinic, dropping 32 points to lead his team to a hard-fought victory.

    The game started off with both teams trading baskets, but it was clear from the beginning that Clark was on a mission. He came out firing on all cylinders, hitting shots from all over the court and showing off his impressive range. His scoring prowess kept Iowa in the game as West Virginia tried to pull away, and his clutch shooting down the stretch helped seal the win for the Hawkeyes.

    But it wasn’t just Clark who stepped up for Iowa in this game. The entire team showed resilience and determination, fighting through adversity and never giving up even when things looked bleak. They played tough defense, forced turnovers, and made key plays when it mattered most.

    West Virginia put up a valiant effort, led by their own star player, but ultimately they couldn’t contain Clark and the Hawkeyes. Iowa’s top seed status was put to the test, but they proved that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level and make a deep run in the tournament.

    As they move on to the next round, Iowa will need to continue to rely on their balanced scoring attack and strong team defense. They will face tough competition in the coming games, but if they can continue to play with the same intensity and determination they showed against West Virginia, there’s no telling how far they can go.

    Overall, Iowa’s victory over West Virginia was a testament to their resilience, talent, and ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. With Jordan Clark leading the way, the Hawkeyes have their sights set on making a deep run in the NCAA tournament and proving that they are a force to be reckoned with.