No. 18 Ohio State Upsets No. 2 Iowa Women’s Basketball in Overtime Thriller

The University of Iowa women’s basketball team suffered a heartbreaking defeat against No. 18 Ohio State in an intense overtime battle on Sunday. The No. 2-ranked Hawkeyes, led by standout senior Caitlin Clark, fell short with a final score of 100-92 at the jam-packed Value City Arena.

Caitlin Clark showcased her exceptional talent by pouring in an impressive 45 points, just one point shy of her career high, while delivering seven assists, a shot block, and two steals. The Des Moines native has now crossed the 40-point mark 11 times in her career, achieving this feat three times in the current season alone.

Molly Davis, a fifth-year player for the Hawkeyes, contributed 14 points and displayed her court vision with eight assists and only one turnover. Sophomore Hannah Stuelke also had a solid performance with 10 points and seven rebounds before fouling out in overtime.

In the first half, Iowa’s offensive efficiency was on full display as they shot an impressive 55.6% from the field, converting 15 of their 27 attempts. Davis played a pivotal role in the team’s success during this period, scoring seven points and dishing out three assists.

Despite sustaining a lead for most of the second half, Iowa allowed Ohio State to mount a comeback, forcing the game into overtime with the score tied at 83. The Buckeyes’ Cotie McMahon was instrumental in their resurgence, finishing the game with an impressive 33 points, including 13 points in the fourth quarter.

This defeat marks Iowa’s second loss of the season, bringing their overall record to 18-2, with a 7-1 record in Big Ten conference play. Despite the setback, Caitlin Clark’s outstanding performance is further solidifying her candidacy for the National Player of the Year.

Noteworthy details from the postgame analysis include Clark’s impressive record of scoring 30+ points in 48 games, making her the most prolific scorer in men’s or women’s college basketball over the last 25 seasons. Molly Davis’ contribution of double-digit points and seven assists further highlights her value to the team’s success.

The University of Iowa women’s basketball team’s ability to draw sold-out crowds and break attendance records continues to impress, with this game attracting a capacity crowd of 18,809 at Ohio State’s Value City Arena. The Hawkeyes have showcased their popularity, breaking attendance records or assisting in sellouts in 29 of their 32 games this season.

Looking ahead, the No. 2-ranked Hawkeyes will return to the familiar confines of Carver-Hawkeye Arena to face Nebraska on January 27. The highly-anticipated matchup will air on BTN and the Hawkeye Radio Network, providing fans with another opportunity to witness Iowa’s talented roster in action.