(Iowa City, IA) – In one of the more intense Hawkeye games of the season, Iowa comes out victorious against Holy Cross 91-65. This was a game of frustration for Iowa who showed nothing but emotion throughout the whole game. Saturday’s game was the first that we saw the Hawkeyes out on the hardwood since March 10th when they beat Nebraska in the Big Ten Championship.
The Hawkeyes were led on the day by Caitlin Clark who came up just short of a triple-double with 27 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds. Clark struggled throughout the game, shooting 8-19 from the field while going 8-9 from the charity stripe. There were many moments throughout the competition where she showcased this frustration including headbutting the basketball and even questioning foul calls, two things that showcase her passion for perfection in this NCAA Tournament. Clark has scored 20+ points in 119 of 133 career games, the 34th this season.
After the game Clark stated, “I should probably smile more. I’m a competitor,” said Clark, who even headbutted the basketball during the game in frustration. “I love this game. I’m a perfectionist.”
Coming right alongside Clark in scoring was Kate Martin who knocked down 15 points on the afternoon with 14 rebounds for a double-double and earned a +24, the same as Clark. With just one point behind Martin was Addison O’Grady with a total of 14 points and five rebounds while going 7-9 from the field. The last double-digit scorer for Iowa was Gabbie Marshall who shot 3-7 from beyond the arc and finished with 11 points. Sydney Affolter was just short of double-digits but was essential in the Hawkeyes victory with nine points and seven boards.
On the opposite end, Holy Cross was led by Bronagh Power-Cassidy who not only featured the team high but the coolest name in college basketball. She knocked down 19 points and hauled in four rebounds while dishing out three assists. Coming up just one point behind Power-Cassidy was Janelle Allen who put down 18 points while hauling in three boards. The last double-digit scorer for Holy Cross was Cara McCormack who had 11 points while also snagging five rebounds on the night.
Iowa beat Holy Cross in just about every category including rebounds 50-37, steals 11-8, points in the paint 40-20, and bench points 29-13. Holy Cross did force 14 Hawkeye turnovers and kept the Hawkeyes to 31.3% from beyond the arc.
Clark and the Hawkeyes will return to action against the winner of Princeton and West Virginia on Monday, March 25th.
