In an exhilarating showdown set for Monday in the 2024 Women's NCAA Tournament, the Iowa Hawkeyes, spearheaded by the outstanding Caitlin Clark, will go head-to-head against the West Virginia Mountaineers for a chance to secure their spot in the Sweet 16. Following a dominant 91-65 victory over the No. 16 seed Holy Cross, the Hawkeyes are brimming with confidence as they face the Mountaineers.

Clark, who delivered an impressive performance with 27 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, three steals, and a block in their first-round triumph, is determined to maintain her stellar form in the grudge match against West Virginia. The NCAA's all-time leading scorer, Clark's remarkable achievements have sparked a sense of rivalry and motivation, intensified by Mountaineers head coach Mark Kellogg's pre-game comments. Kellogg had vowed to "send Caitlin Clark packing," rallying the West Virginia fan base. However, he has since downplayed his remarks during recent interviews.

The highly-anticipated clash will commence at 8 p.m. ET, with the Hawkeyes entering the game as 15.5-point favorites in the latest Iowa vs. West Virginia odds. The over/under for the matchup is set at 163.5. Before finalizing any predictions or picks for the game, it's crucial to consider the insights of women's basketball expert Calvin Wetzel.

Wetzel, the lead betting writer for HerHoopStats.com, utilizes his mathematical background and in-depth knowledge of women's hoops to formulate accurate predictions. Teaming up with Aaron Barzilai, a Ph.D. graduate from Stanford, Wetzel has demonstrated his prowess in women's college basketball, boasting a record of 1384-988 (+371.33 units) since the start of the 2021-22 season.

Now focusing on the Iowa vs. West Virginia matchup, Wetzel has shared his expert picks and predictions. To view his selections, interested readers can visit SportsLine. The article also provides several college basketball odds and trends for the game, including the spread, over/under, and money line.

The Iowa Hawkeyes have been in exceptional offensive form, consistently reaching the 90-point mark in their previous 90 games. Led by Clark, coach Lisa Bluder's squad secured the top spot in scoring nationwide this season, averaging an impressive 92.7 points per game. Their field-goal percentage of 50.2% also ranks them second in the nation. Clark's extraordinary contributions cannot be overstated, as she averaged 31.8 points and 10.0 assists per game during their run to the national championship last season. Moreover, she has recorded a double-double in every postseason game thus far, including conference and NCAA matches. Kate Martin's double-double against Holy Cross further demonstrates the team's depth and strength.

While Iowa boasts exceptional offensive firepower, the West Virginia Mountaineers are not to be underestimated. Known for their solid defense, the Mountaineers will be focused on containing Clark and the Hawkeyes' high-octane offense. The team's tenacious performance in their 63-53 victory over the No. 9 Princeton Tigers in the first round exemplified their defensive prowess, limiting the opposition to a mere 33.3% shooting percentage and forcing 17 turnovers. Ja'Naiya Quinerly and Jordan Harrison have emerged as key contributors for West Virginia, with Quinerly averaging 19.9 points per game this season and Harrison averaging 13.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.0 rebounds.

Wetzel's analysis of this captivating matchup advocates for an over on the point total, while he has also identified a crucial X-factor that heavily influences his pick for the spread. Additionally, Wetzel has released a special prop bet centered around Caitlin Clark, providing readers with exclusive insights into the game.

As the Iowa Hawkeyes clash with the West Virginia Mountaineers in a compelling battle for a Sweet 16 berth, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark and her incredible scoring prowess. Will the Hawkeyes continue their offensive dominance, or will the Mountaineers manage to thwart them with their formidable defense? The answer awaits as the game unfolds in what promises to be an exhilarating encounter.

Disclaimer: The provided information and predictions are solely based on the opinions and analysis of experts and should not be considered guaranteed outcomes.