The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team showcased their resilience and unwavering determination as they clinched their third consecutive Big Ten Tournament championship on Sunday afternoon. The Nebraska Cornhuskers put up a tough fight, but the Hawkeyes ultimately prevailed in an intense overtime battle, securing a 94-89 victory.

All eyes were on standout player Caitlin Clark, who had been named the Most Outstanding Player for the past two years. However, despite a slow start, going 0-for-9 from beyond the arc in the first quarter, Clark's gritty performance in the second half proved pivotal in leading her team to victory.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers gained an early advantage, winning the first quarter with a score of 23-17, and increased their lead to 46-35 at halftime. Undeterred, the Hawkeyes launched a remarkable comeback in the second half, tying the game by the end of the third quarter.

Both teams battled fiercely in the fourth quarter, resulting in a tight contest that required overtime to determine the winner. The Hawkeyes received a boost from Kate Martin, who made a significant impact in overtime with a key assist to Hannah Stuelke, followed by a crucial three-pointer that ignited a momentum shift.

However, Nebraska refused to back down, with Alexis Marokowski and Natalie Potts making timely layups to diminish the Hawkeyes' lead. Logan Nissley's three-pointer allowed Nebraska to momentarily regain the lead at 84-82, but Martin responded swiftly with a decisive three-pointer to regain the advantage for the Hawkeyes.

Clark, known for her clutch performances, demonstrated her prowess once again. With just 1:11 left in overtime, Nissley drained a three-pointer for Nebraska. Yet, Clark rose to the occasion, matching Nissley's shot with one of her own to maintain the Hawkeyes' slim 89-87 lead. Clark's steal from Jaz Shelley resulted in a crucial turnover, and she sealed the game with two made free throws.

Clark finished the game with an impressive 34 points, despite struggling from beyond the arc, shooting 5-for-17. She also recorded a double-double, contributing 12 assists and seven rebounds while showcasing her defensive prowess with three steals. Hannah Stuelke had a standout performance with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Sydney Affolter achieved a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

With their victory in the Big Ten Tournament, the Iowa Hawkeyes, currently ranked No. 3 in the country, are anticipated to secure a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Selection Sunday will determine both their position and opponent for the highly anticipated March Madness.

As the Hawkeyes set their sights on returning to the national championship game, where they fell short against the LSU Tigers last season, Caitlin Clark's exceptional scoring abilities continue to solidify her status as one of the greatest players in Division I college basketball. Her contributions will undoubtedly be crucial for Iowa's success in the coming weeks.