In the aftermath of the Iowa Hawkeyes magical run to the 2023 NCAA title game, head coach Lisa Bluder planted the seed for an idea. She decided to capitalize on the team’s popularity by inquiring about hosting an outdoor exhibition game at Kinnick Stadium, the home of the Hawkeyes football team. After all, it had been done before with the storied wrestling program with the 2015 Grapple on the Gridiron, which drew 42,287 spectators.
Fast forward to Oct. 15, 2023 and the Crossover at Kinnick came to life. All the logistical planning, publicity roll out and fixation on the weather paid off as a NCAA-record crowd of 55,646 filled Kinnick to watch basketball excellence. They got more than they bargained for as the Hawkeyes expectedly steamrolled their way to victory 94-72 over the visiting University of DePaul Blue Demons.
DePaul made it fairly competitive contest with some scrappy play, but they couldn’t keep up with the exploits of reigning National Player of the Year Caitlin Clark and company. Clark finished with a triple double of 34 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Four other Hawkeyes scored in double figures as well. Molly Davis had 13 points and had five rebounds. Hannah Steulke had 12 points, three rebounds and three assists. Kate Martin had 11 points and…
