IOWA fans gave Caitlin Clark a rapturous reception in her final home game, as she helped the Hawkeyes into the Sweet 16.
It was hard work at times for Iowa, but 32 points from Clark proved to be decisive as they battled past the West Virginia Mountaineers with a 64-54 victory at March Madness.
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Clark celebrates the win for her Iowa team on MondayCredit: Getty
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Clark in action against West Virginia , as the home team claimed victoryCredit: Reuters
Noisy supporters in the stands at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena gave their beloved Clark a standing ovation after the game.
The account Next Pro Scouting posted on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, “Best to ever do it. Must see tv!”
Another fan simply said, “Caitlin the goat!” while one stated, “She is a legend.”
And another person wrote: “You go girl, go get that trophy now.”
The game was far from a classic, as tension filled the air on such an important night.
The 64 points scored by Iowa was their second-lowest total of the year.
At times, they really struggled to establish their usual flowing rythym.
Clark weighed in with a vital 32 points, with eight rebounds and three assists.
She added an additional two steals and turned the ball over six times.
The last few minutes were pure theatre, as Clark urged the crowd to raise their volume levels.
After the game, she signed autographs for screaming fans and paid tribute to the home supporters.
“I think we used our crowd,” Clark said.
“We knew we gave up a run to start the quarter but this team was never flustered. I think that speaks to our experience.
“Couldn’t be happier for this group. We wanted to go out on a high note for our five seniors. It’s just really special. Proud of them.”
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Iowa coach Bluder paid tribute to Clark after the gameCredit: Getty
“I know I’ve given everything to this program. There is a lot to be proud of.
“There were a lot of highs, a lot of lows. That’s what makes these moments so special. And I’m just thankful, I’m grateful. Just going to soak this in.”
After the game, she signed autographs for screaming fans and paid tribute to the home supporters.
“I think we used our crowd,” Clark said.
“We knew we gave up a run to start the quarter but this team was never flustered. I think that speaks to our experience.
“Couldn’t be happier for this group. We wanted to go out on a high note for our five seniors. It’s just really special. Proud of them.”
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Iowa coach Bluder paid tribute to Clark after the gameCredit: Getty
“I know I’ve given everything to this program. There is a lot to be proud of.
“There were a lot of highs, a lot of lows. That’s what makes these moments so special. And I’m just thankful, I’m grateful. Just going to soak this in.”
“I think her crown is heavy. She has been the face of women’s basketball, you can even say men’s basketball, for all year long.”
Iowa will now take on Colorado on Saturday as this edition of March Madness really hots up.