Caitlin Clark cites Indiana's physicality for her struggles in loss

Iowa star Caitlin Clark had a rare off night on Thursday, shooting only 8 of 26 from the floor as the Hawkeyes suffered an 86-69 road loss to Indiana.

Clark finished with 24 points, which is a good night for most players in the country. However, it marked her lowest point total since Dec. 2 against Bowling Green, as well as her lowest point total in Big Ten play.

After the game, Clark shared what contributed to her off night.

“I think being physical – face-guarding me, denying me the ball. They threw a lot of different people at me,” Caitlin Clark said.

The senior has faced all kinds of coverages during her college career, and she typically handles any defense well.

That wasn’t the case on Thursday, though. Iowa was outscored 21-11 in the second quarter and 24-15 in the fourth as the Hoosiers pulled away. Clark was 3-for-16 from 3-point range, while her teammates were only 2-for-12.

“Just very physical. I think that was the main thing,” Clark said of the Indiana defense. “They kind of pushed me off my spots and get me a little deeper than I wanted to be. They threw a box-and-1 at us. Other than that they played mostly man-to-man. But yea, I would say just physicality and denying me the ball.”

Caitlin Clark downplays thoughts on WNBA, Indiana Fever

With a bright basketball future ahead of Caitlin Clark, she got a look at what her next home could potentially be like in Indiana with the Fever, the state’s WNBA franchise, owning the No. 1 pick. However, with all due respect, she says that is the furthest thing from her mind right now in the midst of her senior season at Iowa.

Clark had to address her professional career following a question at the postgame press conference last night after an 86-69 loss for the Hawkeyes to Indiana in Bloomington last night. She made it clear that her focus is on her present with her team at Iowa considering it’s already a home for her.

“You know, honestly, I’m just focused on this team right now,” said Clark. “Playing my heart out for Iowa and getting to represent my state every single day. That’s what it’s all about.”

In the end, Clark’s time in the WNBA is going to come at some point or another. That’s why, with another year of eligibility on the table, she’s going to leave that process for after the season since it’ll be in front of her down the line anyways.

“I’m not really too worried about the future,” said Clark. “That is what it is. It comes when it comes – whatever I decide.”