Holy Cross Women’s Basketball Team Defeats UT Martin, Advances to Face Iowa in NCAA Tournament

Iowa women’s basketball has learned the identity of its first opponent in the upcoming 2024 NCAA Tournament after Holy Cross claimed victory over UT Martin, earning the opportunity to face the formidable Hawkeyes in the round of 64. The game between Holy Cross and UT Martin unfolded at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, with Holy Cross emerging victorious with a commanding 72-45 win.

Coach Maureen Magarity expressed pride in her team’s performance, emphasizing their unity and determination to extend their season. The Holy Cross Crusaders dominated the game from the start, showcasing a potent offense by connecting on four 3-pointers early on and maintaining a strong defensive stance throughout the night, limiting UT Martin to just 26% shooting from the field.

Leading the charge for Holy Cross was guard Cara McCormack, who delivered an outstanding 23-point performance, including hitting 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. Fellow guard Bronagh Power-Cassidy also contributed with 15 points, further highlighting the team’s scoring versatility and depth in their backcourt.

Holy Cross, under the guidance of Coach Magarity, has enjoyed a successful season, securing their third consecutive 20-win campaign and earning their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance. After a brief rollercoaster of results during the season, the Crusaders found their form when it mattered most, stringing together crucial victories to clinch the Patriot League Tournament title.

With their sights now set on facing Iowa, the Hawkeyes, led by star player Caitlin Clark, will need to prepare for a determined Holy Cross squad that enters the matchup on a five-game winning streak. Iowa, boasting a stellar 29-4 record and fresh off a triumphant Big Ten Tournament title, will aim to harness their momentum and showcase their depth alongside Clark.

The NCAA Tournament matchup between Holy Cross and Iowa promises to be an intriguing battle, as both teams vie for a spot in the later stages of the competition. For Iowa, the memory of falling short in last season’s national championship game looms large, fueling their quest for redemption and a potential deep tournament run towards the Final Four in Cleveland.