Hawkeyes knock off #14 Michigan in Ann Arbor
The Hawkeyes needed that. They needed it in the conference standings and they needed it for their overall resume. Lisa Bluder’s team shook off a slow start and took down the 14th ranked Wolverines by score of 94-85 in front of the fourth largest WBB crowd in Crisler Center history. It is Iowa’s first win in Ann Arbor since 2014. More importantly, it was a win that keeps them from falling two games behind in the Big Ten standings.
The game did not start off in the Hawkeyes favor with seven turnovers in the first quarter, while Michigan guard Laila Phelia scored 14 of the team’s first 20 points. The Wolverines used an 11-3 run to begin the second quarter and it opened up a 31-21 lead.
Iowa was turning it over, allowing Michigan to grab offensive rebounds and Caitlin Clark had just two points. Not the way Lisa Bluder drew it up in the locker room ahead of the game. From there, the Hawkeyes made adjustments. The defense ratcheted up and they started making shots.
Iowa answered the quick Michigan start with a 17-6 run and McKenna Warnock gave the Hawkeyes their first lead of the game with 1:32 to play in the first half on a three pointer. Caitlin Clark added a deep three pointer of her own and the Hawkeyes took a 41-39 lead into the halftime break.
The big reason behind the halftime lead? Iowa took advantage of turnovers and second chances. Michigan did not. The Hawkeyes turned 12 turnovers/second chances in 18 points, while the Wolverines mustered just eight points on 18 opportunities.
Out of the break, play was controlled by the Hawkeyes and Kate Martin was the one that came up with clutch baskets. Martin got back-to-back buckets early in the quarter to put Iowa up 45-41, but was just getting started. Later, she got to the rim for the basket, plus the foul and then followed it up with a three pointer to give Iowa their largest lead of the game at 62-51.
Martin finished the quarter with 10 points on 4/6 shooting, as well as two rebounds and an assist. The Hawkeyes went to the fourth quarter with a 66-57 lead.
Iowa got the lead up to 14 points early in the final frame with a three pointer from Caitlin Clark and then a Molly Davis creative layup late in the shot clock. Michigan tried to battle back midway through the fourth, as an Emily Kiser layup got the lead down to 77-70 with 4:17 to play. However, the Hawkeyes got baskets on the next three possessions from three different players and extended the lead to 84-72 with under three minutes to play. Michigan had to foul late and Iowa made their free throws to pull out the 94-85 victory.
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After scoring 14 points on 5/8 shooting in the opening quarter, the Iowa defense held Laila Phelia to just two points in the final three quarters on 0/6 shooting. Caitlin Clark finished the game with 28 points on 10/17 shooting. She now has scored 112 points in her last three games against the Wolverines. Monika Czinano added 19 points and a career-high eight assists. McKenna Warnock buried four three pointers en route to 14 points and all ten points for Kate Martin came in the third quarter.
What the Hawkeyes did well?
Free throwing shooting. After leading the country in free throw percentage at 84.6% last year, the Hawkeyes entered today in 71st at 74.3%. Caitlin Clark was 6/7 from the line, while Monika Czinano made all five of her free throws. As a team, Iowa was 17/18 (94.4%) for the game. That is something the Hawkeyes need to be able to rely on going forward in Big Ten play.
Bench Production. While Gabbie Marshall is still looking to get things rolling, someone else has to step up and make some shots. The bench has struggled to make an impact at times this year, but not today. Hannah Stuelke had nine points and four rebounds in 12 minutes. Molly Davis had eight points, four assists and zero turnovers in 21 minutes on the floor.
Took advantage of Michigan mistakes. Iowa forced 17 turnovers and grabbed seven offensive rebounds. They turned those 24 chances into 33 points (1.38 pts per). The Wolverines forced 15 turnovers and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds. Those 28 chances turned into just 22 points (0.79 pts per).
Up Next…
With the win, the Hawkeyes move to 12-4 on the season and 4-1 in Big Ten play. Next on the docket for Iowa is a home game against the Northwestern on Wednesday. The Wildcats are currently 0-4 in Big Ten play and 6-8 on the season. They are also 0-5 against Top 25 opponents. Tipoff is set for 6:30pm and the game will be streamed on BTN+.
