Iowa hoops falls to relentless offensive performance by LSU in national title game
LSU was blistering from the field throughout Sunday’s national championship game against Iowa. Caitlin Clark, the Hawkeyes’ superstar guard, earned her 3rd foul with over 3 minutes remaining in the 2nd quarter and had 4 by the start of the 4th. For those that follow the game, there are not many instances in which Iowa comes out victorious with that formula.
Iowa made a furious comeback attempt in the second half, cutting a 20-point lead to as little as 8, but still couldn’t take home the win behind more questionable officiating and another impressive performance from LSU’s shooters. When the smoke cleared, Iowa fell to the Tigers 102-85. LSU’s mark of 102 is the most points in a women’s national championship game ever.
Spin it however you want to, it just was not Iowa’s day. Clark got hers when she was able to be on the court, scoring 30 points with 8 assists and a pair of rebounds. Monika Czinano was incredible as well, totaling 13 points and 6 rebounds before fouling out with over 5 minutes remaining in the 4th.
LSU’s Jasmine Carson, who averages 2.2 points per game this season and has not scored in the past 3 games for the Tigers, went off in the first half. She was perfect from the field, hitting all 7 of her shots with 5 3-pointers made. She added 22 points off the bench in the first half and despite scoring just a free throw in the 2nd half, led all scorers for the Tigers by day’s end.
With the loss, Iowa finishes the season 31-7. A magical season, complete with a B1G title, comes up just short of glory.