Iowa's women's basketball team secured their third consecutive Big Ten tournament championship on Sunday with a hard-fought 94-89 overtime win against Nebraska. The game showcased the tenacity and resilience of the Hawkeyes, with Caitlin Clark emerging as the hero in the closing moments.

In a nail-biting finish, Clark intercepted a crucial Huskers pass with under 40 seconds left on the clock. She was fouled and made both free throws, extending Iowa's lead to 91-87. Clark's exceptional performance continued as she intercepted another pass with less than five seconds remaining, sealing the Hawkeyes' victory.

Postgame, Clark expressed her joy and sense of accomplishment, saying, "It's really special, we've been in the Big Ten championship every single year I've been here... Each one gets better and better."

Throughout the game, Clark's impact was undeniable. Although she started slowly, she heated up in the third quarter, finishing with an outstanding stat line of 34 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds. Despite struggling with her shooting early on, Clark's playmaking ability was instrumental in keeping Iowa in the game.

The Hawkeyes found themselves trailing for most of the matchup, but never gave up. They closed the gap in the third quarter, with Hannah Stuelke's layup bringing them within one with less than four minutes left. A Clark layup minutes later gave Iowa their first lead since the early minutes of the game, sparking a back-and-forth battle for dominance.

Stuelke also delivered an impressive performance, contributing 25 points and nine rebounds, while Kate Martin added 13 points and seven rebounds for the Hawkeyes. For Nebraska, Alexis Markowski led the team with 23 points and 13 rebounds, followed by Natalie Potts with 21 points and Jaz Shelley with 16.

Looking ahead, Iowa's victory positions them as strong contenders for a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The committee is likely to consider their exceptional performance in the Big Ten tournament when making their decision. Additionally, the Hawkeyes' strong fanbase could play a role in determining their regional placement, with Portland being an attractive destination due to its larger seating capacity.

Concerns about Clark's shooting accuracy were dispelled, as her fatigue from playing three games in three days was taken into account. With a week and a half of rest before the NCAA Tournament, the coaching staff is expected to prioritize Clark's recovery to maximize her performance on the court. However, her occasional mishandling of the ball during the game was an unexpected development, as Clark is known for her composure and clutch plays.

The Hawkeyes' triumph in the Big Ten tournament marks a remarkable achievement for the team and sets the stage for their pursuit of greater success in the NCAA Tournament. With their determined spirit and Caitlin Clark's exceptional abilities, Iowa's women's basketball team is poised to make a strong impact on the national stage.