Disaster nearly struck for Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes on Sunday as a frightening incident unfolded during the aftermath of No. 18 Ohio State's overtime upset victory over No. 2 Iowa. The game ended with a score of 100-92 in favor of the Buckeyes, prompting their ecstatic fans to storm the court in celebration.

Amidst the chaotic court invasion, Caitlin Clark, widely regarded as women's college basketball's best player, collided forcefully with a fan, resulting in a dramatic fall to the ground. The collision raised concerns about potential injuries, but Clark reassured reporters that she was fortunately okay despite the scare.

Reflecting on the incident, Clark stated, "It was kind of scary. Could've caused a pretty serious injury to me and knocked the wind out of me, but luckily my teammates picked me up and got me off the court." The Ohio State athletic director, Gene Smith, also expressed his apologies to Clark for the unfortunate incident.

However, the event took an even more distressing turn as Iowa coach Lisa Bluder revealed that some fans had directed inappropriate comments towards Clark during the chaos. Bluder's revelation added further controversy to an already tense situation.

Despite the defeat, Caitlin Clark showcased her exceptional skills on the court, scoring a season-high 45 points and making significant contributions with seven assists, three rebounds, two steals, a block, and seven turnovers. Her outstanding performance highlighted her status as one of the sport's finest players.

The loss marks only the second of the season for the Iowa Hawkeyes, who had previously enjoyed a 15-game winning streak. Their only other defeat this season came at home against Kansas State on November 16.

Leading the way for Ohio State was Cotie McMahon, who recorded a career-high of 33 points and 12 rebounds, playing a crucial role in securing the monumental victory for her team. Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff praised the team's effort, acknowledging the significance of defeating such a formidable opponent and expressed hope in building momentum from this triumph.

Caitlin Clark's remarkable performance this season has solidified her position as the nation's top scorer, averaging an astounding 31 points per game and making 5.1 three-point shots per game. Additionally, she ranks second in assists, providing an average of 7.7 per game. With her exceptional talent, Clark is anticipated to be chosen as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever in the upcoming 2024 WNBA Draft in April.

While this victory represents a significant milestone for Ohio State, the unfortunate collision between Clark and a fan serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety of players and maintaining respectful behavior during post-game celebrations.