IOWA CITY — For those who thought the Hawkeyes would be free of problems in their own building if Iowa women's basketball clinched its NCAA Tournament bracket, March Madness tension crippled plans Monday to upset a grand finale.
Iowa has touted its experience maturity throughout the year during this magical season, making it comfortable in any game situation. Most thought it would show as the stakes were raised later in the NCAA Tournament. The Hawkeyes needed it Right now Monday in the second round.
One gritty possession at a time, Iowa pushed through just enough frustration to keep its season on track.
Despite West Virginia's suffocating offense turning the contest into an unpleasant rock fight, Iowa responded with a defensive clinic of its own until the Hawkeyes found enough clutch production late. The hard-earned 64-54 win moves Iowa back to the Sweet 16, where it will face No. 5 Colorado on Saturday in Albany, NY.
“These games are tough. That's what they are,” said Iowa superstar Kaitlin Clark, who managed 32 points while going 11-for-12 from the line on 8-for-22 shooting. “We went to Georgia at home last year (in the NCAA Tournament). We were down to Colorado (in the Sweet 16). We were down to Louisville (in the Elite Eight). You've got to find the hard way to win. , and that's what we did.”
Locked in a tied game with five minutes remaining, Iowa had to continue providing the talking mantra. The pressure is a privilege, the Hawkeyes say — and it's time to back up their words.
Sydney Affolder's driving layup and free throw were the first signs of stability as West Virginia pulled back with 2:55 left. The Hawkeyes took a 55-52 lead on that bucket.
An umbrella of Clarke's logo trey seemed to set the stage for the end of his final game in Iowa City. This night has never been so glamorous. Iowa finished it off with free throws and defensive stops, going 9-of-10 from the line in the final 90 seconds as part of a strong 25-of-30 showing.
Three charity-streaks by Hannah Stulke (12 points, 11 rebounds) in that stretch underscored her development. Another six from Clark allowed him to exhale.
“You have to find a way to win,” said sixth-year guard Kate Martin, who had seven points and 10 rebounds in her final home game. “We obviously hang our hat on the offensive end of the court and hit the ball like we normally do, but you have to find other ways to win. We found ways to get stops on defense. I think that's really important. We're going to play more physical teams that are probably better on defense. West Virginia really prepared us for what was to come.”
Those at home wanted to rest in peace much earlier. Two separate times in the third quarter, Iowa saw significant separation. A 10-0 run early in the period pushed Iowa up by 12. An 8-0 sprint in the third answered between West Virginia's rally. With noise pumping from every corner of the quarter change, the Hawkeyes seemed poised to seize control late as they usually do inside this basketball madhouse.
West Virginia did not cooperate. The Mountaineers' own 10-0 run in the fourth pulled things to start, 48-48, with five minutes left. Those who helped strip Carver-Hawkeye Arena in black and gold on Monday squirmed in their seats, realizing Iowa was in a second-round slump.
“It's one of the toughest rounds in the NCAA tournament,” Clark said. “Everybody's really good. You're expected to win. You're on your home court. You have all the pressure in the world. They have absolutely nothing to lose to come here and upset us.”
That was evident from the opening tip, as West Virginia delivered the entire first half with the Mountaineers' fierce pace and style. A relentless defensive effort set the immediate tone that Iowa wasn't going to get this one without resistance.
Further:Iowa women's basketball vs West Virginia recap: Kaitlyn Clark breaks season scoring record
The Hawkeyes' six points in the second quarter seemed like a misprint, and their 26-point halftime total was out of place. Clark finished the first half with 11 points on 11 shots as he also tried to settle into a productive lane while West Virginia piled on the pressure. Frustration lingered throughout Iowa's improbable 4:49 scoring drought that carried into the locker room.
Iowa has turned several tight games into second-half laughs. The crowd at Carver-Hockey Arena craved it. Iowa had to respond like an experienced team when that didn't happen.
One of the sport's elite champions, this challenger has little to gain and a ton to lose. This night is very likely to have an impact in the coming weeks.
“When you're in situations, you can use that experience again, and we're going to use that wherever we can,” Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said. “I think that helped us tonight.”
Dargan Southart is a sports reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.
