In a highly anticipated women's basketball matchup, the No. 5 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1) are set to take on Florida Gulf Coast (FGCU) in the Gulf Coast Classic semifinal. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6:30 p.m. (CT) on Saturday at Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida.

Coach Lisa Bluder stands on the brink of a milestone as she aims to secure her 500th win at Iowa. With an impressive 499-250 record in her 24-year tenure in Iowa City, Bluder has left an indelible mark on the program. A victory in this game would not only boost the team's overall record but also solidify Bluder's place as one of the most successful coaches in Hawkeyes history.

Iowa advanced to the semifinals after a commanding 98-59 win over Purdue Fort Wayne in the previous round. The team displayed their offensive prowess, with standout player Caitlin Clark contributing an impressive 29 points and eight assists. Clark's performance also earned her a place in NCAA Division-I history, as she became the 18th player to reach 2,900 career points.

Supporting Clark's efforts, Sharon Goodman added 16 points, while Hannah Stuelke scored 13 before exiting the game with a late injury. The Hawkeyes' depth and skill will undoubtedly be crucial in their quest for victory against a formidable FGCU team.

On the other side, FGCU earned their spot in the semifinals with an 83-68 triumph over Delaware. Maddie Antenucci led the Eagles with an impressive 20-point performance. FGCU has proven their prowess in recent years, qualifying for eight of the last nine NCAA tournaments. They will undoubtedly bring their A-game to challenge the Hawkeyes and advance to the tournament championship.

The winner of the Iowa vs. FGCU matchup will face either No. 16 Kansas State or No. 18 North Carolina for the tournament championship on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. In the event of a loss, the Hawkeyes, or the Eagles, will compete for third place earlier in the day at 4 p.m.

With Coach Lisa Bluder on the brink of a momentous milestone, and the Hawkeyes and FGCU ready to battle for a spot in the championship game, anticipation is high for this Gulf Coast Classic semifinal matchup. Iowa fans eagerly await the opportunity to celebrate their beloved coach's 500th win and witness the continued success of their women's basketball program.