CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Virginia Tech coach Kenny Brooks could only shake his head when asked about trying to slow down Caitlin Clark, the college women’s basketball sensation from Iowa.
“I love my girls [on my team], but sometimes you’re playing checkers and she’s playing chess,” Brooks said. “She’s that good.”
Clark wasn’t just good on Thursday night, she was tremendous.
The Associated Press’ 2023 player of the year poured in 44 points and had eight rebounds to lead No. 3 Iowa to an 80-76 win over No. 8 Virginia Tech in a battle of Final Four teams from a year ago that exceeded expectations.
Clark went 13-of-31 from the field and had five 3’s. She got to the basket with relative ease, converting several one-handed scoop layups while finding her way to the foul line time and time again. She made 13 of 17 free throws, and anyone who attempted to guard her soon wound up in foul trouble and with a seat on the bench next to Brooks.
She was, on almost every possession, uncoverable even as the Hokies knew she was getting the ball.
When she wasn’t scoring, Clark was making those around her better. She finished with six assists, but could have easily had 10 or more had teammates not repeatedly missed easy layups.
“She is a generational player and…
