West Virginia came into last nights game at Carver Hawkeye Arena with impressive defensive statistics and they lived up to the numbers with constant pressure and a physical play that kept the game close through the 4th quarter. When Iowa ended the third quarter up 48-38 it looked like maybe West Virginia’s upset bid had been thwarted. That was until West Virginia held the Hawkeyes scoreless for over five minutes and tie the game on Jayla Hemingway’s three with 4:46 left in the game.
At that point Iowa outscored the Mountaineers 16-6 to advance to the Sweet 16 in Albany. It was a victory that was atypical for Iowa. The defense lead the charge and Caitlin Clark did the rest hitting key free throws and baskets on her way to 32 points, eight bounds and three assists. The key play was another 4th quarter block by Gabbie Marshall at the 2:09 mark on a shot by JJ Quinerly. After that Sydney Affolter drew a foul on a layup and added the free throw to put the Hawkeyes up 55-52.
Iowa outrebounded West Virginia 38-28 but forced 14 Iowa turnovers with intense pressure and full court pressure. They also created eight steals but committed 27 fouls compared to Iowa’s 11. Iowa advances to take on Colorado Saturday in Albany in the Sweet 16. The game time will be announced later today and will be live on FM95.1 and AM 860 KWPC.
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