Some were expecting a more competitive matchup, but the Iowa Hawkeyes (13-1, 2-0) had other plans in mind as they dominated the Minnesota Golden Gophers (11-2, 1-1) 94-71 to close out 2023 and officially begin their conference schedule.
The win also makes it 10 in a row since losing to Kansas State. It also coincided with Alumni Day and the celebration of the history of Iowa women’s basketball.
From the opening tip, the Hawkeyes wasted no time and got right down to business. They scored at will and crashed the boards relentlessly. Their transition game was smooth as silk as they completely outran the Gophers. They also had the extra benefit of poor shooting from the Gophers, especially from the outside. Minnesota shot 39.4 percent from the field and 15.8 percent from the 3-point line, but compensated, in part, at the free throw line, converting 70.6 percent. Iowa was 58.3 percent from the field, 37.9 percent from the 3-point line and 59.1 percent from the free throw line.
Caitlin Clark was unconscious from her favorite spot on the floor. She hit eight 3-pointers and finished with a double-double of 35 points, 10 assists and five rebounds. In addition, she became the Big Ten’s all-time assist leader. Clark now has accumulated 3,000 points, 800 rebounds and 1,000…
