Iowa Hawkeyes Women's Basketball Clinch Third Consecutive Big Ten Championship in Overtime Thriller

In an exhilarating championship showdown, the University of Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team emerged victorious, defeating Nebraska in a thrilling overtime battle with a final score of 94-89. This gripping victory secured their third consecutive Big Ten Championship, capping off a remarkable season for the Hawkeyes. The game took place at a sold-out Target Center in Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon.

The dynamic duo of All-American Caitlin Clark and Hannah Stuelke proved instrumental in leading the Hawkeyes to victory, combining for a staggering 59 points. Clark, in particular, showcased her scoring prowess, netting 30 of her 34 points during the final 24 minutes of the game. Alongside her scoring prowess, Clark also contributed seven boards, three steals, and a game-high 12 assists, demonstrating her incredible all-around skills. Stuelke, on the other hand, contributed 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds, making a significant impact on the court.

Sydney Affolter also delivered an outstanding performance, registering her third consecutive 10-point game and securing her second career double-double with 11 points and a team-best 11 rebounds.

As a result of her exceptional performance throughout the tournament, Caitlin Clark was named the Big Ten Tournament Most Valuable Player for the third consecutive time. This feat puts her in the elite company of Jantel Lavender from Ohio State, making her only the second player since 1995 to earn MVP honors in three consecutive tournaments.

The championship game was a back-and-forth battle, featuring 16 lead changes and four ties. The Hawkeyes held the lead for a mere 2 minutes and 10 seconds out of the 45-minute contest, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness of the game.

Despite trailing by eight points with just over two minutes remaining in regulation, the Hawkeyes showcased their resilience and refused to give up. They mounted a comeback, closing the gap and forcing overtime with a game-ending 10-2 run. In overtime, Iowa started strong, scoring the first five points. However, Nebraska retaliated with seven straight points, taking a two-point lead with 2:30 remaining. With less than a minute left on the clock, Caitlin Clark hit a clutch step-back triple, giving the Hawkeyes a two-point advantage that they held onto for the remainder of the game.

Following the intense championship game, head coach Lisa Bluder expressed her admiration for Nebraska's outstanding performance while praising her team's resilience. She also expressed gratitude towards the Hawkeyes' dedicated fan base, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout the tournament.

This triumph marks the seventh Big Ten Tournament title in the history of the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball program. Additionally, it solidifies Lisa Bluder's status as one of the most successful coaches in the conference, as she ties Maryland head coach Brenda Frese with her fifth Big Ten Tournament title. Bluder also surpassed a tournament record, notching her 32nd victory during her coaching career.

The Hawkeyes' exceptional performance during the tournament was punctuated by a record-breaking display of three-point shooting. They made an astonishing 39 triples throughout the tournament, setting a new Big Ten Tournament record. This achievement surpasses their own record of 31 treys set in 2021 and 2023, along with a similar accomplishment by Ohio State in 2020.

Caitlin Clark added another accolade to her already impressive resume, setting a Big Ten Tournament career record with 112 assists in her 13 tournament games. This surpasses the previous record held by Samantha Prahalis of Ohio State.

With this victory, the Iowa Hawkeyes become the fourth team in Big Ten history to win three consecutive Big Ten Tournament titles, joining the ranks of Maryland, Ohio State, and Purdue. Their consistent success in recent years is a testament to the team's talent and dedication.

The Hawkeyes now eagerly await Selection Sunday on March 17th, where they will learn their fate and next opponent in the upcoming NCAA tournament. The Hawkeyes' exceptional performance throughout the season positions them as strong contenders as they continue their pursuit of greatness on the national stage.