Survive and advance! That’s the name of the game and that is exactly what the Iowa Hawkeyes found a way to do tonight in their Sweet 16 battle against the Colorado Buffaloes. The Hawkeyes are headed to the Elite 8 and it wasn’t without a little sweat but that is what makes it fun.
The Buffaloes hung tough with the Hawkeyes for quite a while, even holding a 40-39 lead at halftime and never quite went away. They made Iowa work for this one and earn every single point. The Colorado stingy defense reared its head for a while against Iowa and made them work for points at times.
Down the stretch, the Hawkeyes found a way to dig deep and pull away. It wasn’t easy, there were good performances, there are areas to improve, but ultimately, Iowa is in the Elite 8 and that is the sole goal.
Here are the five takeaways from Iowa’s Sweet 16 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes.
You can only slow down Caitlin Clark, not stop her
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Caitlin Clark’s best game? No, and she would likely agree. But what does that say when the future player of the year drops a stat line of 31 points, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds in a bit of a down game? It says all you need to know.
Colorado slowed down Clark in the first half but that is all a team can really hope to do. You can’t stop Caitlin Clark. You can only hope to contain her. And good luck with that.
Hawkeyes must rebound better
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Let’s talk about this. Iowa gave up 21 offensive rebounds. That can’t repeat itself. If the Hawkeyes do that as this tournament continues on, it won’t go away as it did tonight. Iowa has to rebound better.
Iowa faithful traveled well
Syndication: HawkCentral
How many fanbases have a “Let’s Go Hawks!” chant down the stretch like Iowa does? Not many in America. For reference, it is 1,853 miles from Iowa City, Iowa to Seattle, Washington.
Iowa fans travel, they are faithful, and they are loud.
Monika Czinano answered every time
Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel
It seemed every time that Iowa needed a big bucket to stop a run, silence a comeback, or take the lead back, they could go to Monika Czinano. She answered the bell all night.
Czinano’s night of 15 points and 8 rebounds played a bigger part than the stats read and proves how crucial she will be as Iowa tries to advance.
Lisa Bluder didn't flinch
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
What more is there to say about Lisa Bluder? The Hawkeyes were down at the half. They were getting everything they asked for and then some. Lisa Bluder never flinched. She was ready for the moment.
Iowa has leaders on the court but their greatest leader may be the one calling the shots.
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