Caitlin Clark’s 45 Points Not Enough as Ohio State Upsets No. 3 Iowa in Overtime Thriller
Buckeyes Stun Hawkeyes in High-Scoring Affair
In a Sunday showdown that lived up to the hype, No. 18 Ohio State pulled off a stunning upset over the No. 3 Iowa Hawkeyes, emerging victorious in overtime with a final score of 100-92. Despite a valiant effort from Iowa’s star player, Caitlin Clark, who poured in 45 points, the Buckeyes’ relentless defensive pressure proved too much to overcome.
Tale of Two Halves
The game started with a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets. Clark showcased her scoring prowess early on, draining a pair of three-pointers to help Iowa build an early lead. However, Ohio State’s Cotie McMahon kept the Buckeyes within striking distance, totaling 11 points in the first quarter.
The second quarter saw Ohio State regain the lead momentarily, but Iowa responded with a run of their own, led by Clark and Sydney Affolter. The teams entered halftime with Iowa holding a slim lead.
McMahon’s Heroics Force Overtime
In the third quarter, Addison O’Grady and Affolter stepped up for Iowa, helping them extend their lead to 65-58. However, Ohio State’s McMahon refused to let her team falter, rallying her teammates with a dominant performance. McMahon’s 13 points in the fourth quarter, coupled with crucial defensive stops, forced the game into overtime.
Buckeyes Dominate Overtime
Overtime belonged to the Buckeyes, as they shot an impressive 83% from the field and dominated the extra period by a margin of 17-9. McMahon continued to shine, while Jacy Sheldon and Taylor Thierry also contributed key baskets to seal the victory.
Chaos in the ACC
Sunday’s slate of women’s basketball games brought more than just the Ohio State-Iowa upset. In the ACC, two ranked teams suffered surprising defeats, shaking up the conference standings.
Virginia, a team without an ACC victory or a top-25 road win in over a decade, stunned No. 15 Florida State in a 91-87 triumph. Kymora Johnson led the way for Virginia, pouring in 33 points, while Paris Clark provided valuable support.
Meanwhile, No. 23 North Carolina dealt a blow to No. 13 Louisville’s conference title hopes, defeating the Cardinals 79-68 at Carmichael Arena. Deja Kelly’s 23-point, six-assist performance proved pivotal for the Tar Heels, who broke into the ACC title race with the victory.
Colorado Outlasts USC in Top-6 PAC-12 Clash
In a highly anticipated matchup in the PAC-12, No. 6 USC fell to No. 3 Colorado in a tightly contested 63-59 battle. USC’s standout freshman, JuJu Watkins, had a strong start, scoring 12 points in the first quarter. However, Colorado’s defense clamped down in the second half, forcing turnovers and limiting USC’s scoring opportunities.
Jaylyn Sherrod played a crucial role in Colorado’s victory, drawing a key fifth foul on Watkins late in the game. The Buffaloes held on for the win despite a late three-pointer from USC’s Kayla Padilla.
Tracking Greatness: Caitlin Clark’s Stellar Season Continues
Caitlin Clark’s 45-point performance against Ohio State was just the latest in a series of impressive outings for the Iowa star. This season, Clark has consistently put up dominant numbers, averaging 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.
Clark’s ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with her court vision and passing skills, makes her one of the most dynamic players in women’s basketball. Her performance against Ohio State, while ultimately ending in defeat, showcased her resilience and determination.
Conclusion
Sunday’s slate of women’s basketball games provided plenty of excitement and drama, with several upsets and historic moments. The parity in women’s basketball continues to shine through, making every game unpredictable and compelling.
As the season progresses, keep an eye on Caitlin Clark’s pursuit of greatness, as she continues to break records and lead the Iowa Hawkeyes in their quest for a deep tournament run.