Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes secured their spot in the NCAA National Championship Game for the second consecutive year after a hard-fought victory on Friday. Their 71-69 win over UConn in the Final Four, held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, wasn’t without controversy.
As the game neared its end, UConn found themselves in a crucial position, trailing 70-69 with just 10 seconds remaining. However, their hopes were dashed when an iffy offensive foul call was made against Huskies forward Aaliyah Edwards as top scorer Paige Bueckers attempted a final shot with four seconds left.
This decision left some spectators, including LeBron James, questioning the referees’ judgment at such a pivotal moment in the game.
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Following the contentious call, UConn intentionally fouled Clark, hoping to capitalize on free throws. Clark managed to convert the first but missed the second, yet Iowa secured the offensive rebound, effectively sealing their victory.
Despite the polarizing call, Iowa’s comeback in the second half, erasing a 12-point deficit, showcased their resilience and determination. Although Clark had a relatively subdued performance, her teammates stepped up when it mattered most. Hannah Stuelke led the charge with 23 points on efficient shooting, while Kate Martin contributed 11 points and 8 rebounds, making crucial plays under pressure. Clark herself finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, drawing defensive attention throughout the game.
However, it wasn’t just the players who made headlines. Clark’s father also made a memorable contribution with a clever move of his own, adding another layer of intrigue to an already dramatic contest.
