SEATTLE — The thing about stars like Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is that they only need the slightest of openings in order to thrive. They can be stopped for possessions, stifled for quarters and limited for halves. Yet more often than not, an explosion awaits. This season, Clark has tried not to fixate on mistakes. “You just gotta play through it,” she said. “I knew if we wanted to go far, I can’t get too hung up on other plays. I can’t get hung up on missed shots I’ve had.”
In an 87-77 Sweet 16 victory over No. 6 seed Colorado, Clark admitted that she didn’t play her best first half on Friday. No. 2 seed Iowa trailed 40–39 heading into the break. She later noted the Hawkeyes were at times “frantic” and “rushed.” Yet when presented with the smallest of opportunities early in the second half, she showcased her excellence.
Colorado’s Jaylyn Sherrod opened both halves guarding The Athletic’s Player of the Year, but the 5-foot-7 guard picked up a third foul just 12 seconds after play resumed. With a more favorable matchup in front of her, Clark bided her time for the ensuing two offensive possessions, before making a driving layup with 7 minutes, 33 seconds to play for a three-point lead. In an instant, Clark awakened.
L🎯G🎯 CLARK
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