Iowa women’s basketball vs Ohio State recap: Furious rally comes up short in overtime

In what was one of the most thrilling and emotional games of the season, the Iowa women’s basketball team fought valiantly but ultimately fell short to the Ohio State Buckeyes in a nail-biting overtime thriller. The game, which took place at a packed arena filled with an electric atmosphere, was a rollercoaster of emotions, momentum shifts, and drama. Iowa’s fierce comeback effort in the second half had fans on the edge of their seats, but despite their best efforts, the Hawkeyes were unable to complete the comeback, falling 91-87 to Ohio State in overtime.

The Build-Up: A Clash of Two Heavyweights

Iowa and Ohio State entered this game as two of the top teams in the Big Ten Conference, both with aspirations of making deep runs in the NCAA tournament. Iowa, led by star player Caitlin Clark, was known for its explosive offense and high-scoring games, while Ohio State had been dominating with a more balanced attack and a solid defense. The stakes were high, as both teams were looking to improve their seeding in the upcoming tournament and make a statement with a win over a fellow contender.

The game had all the makings of a high-intensity battle between two elite teams, and early on, it lived up to that billing. With both teams vying for control, every possession felt significant, and the tension in the arena was palpable. It became evident quickly that neither team was willing to give an inch, as both the Hawkeyes and the Buckeyes showcased their high-level basketball skills.

Ohio State’s Early Dominance

From the opening tip, Ohio State came out with a strong and aggressive game plan. The Buckeyes, led by star players like Jacy Sheldon and Taylor Mikesell, jumped out to an early lead, using their combination of sharp shooting and tenacious defense to build a comfortable advantage. Ohio State was efficient on offense, moving the ball well and finding open shots, while their defense stifled Iowa’s attempts to get into an offensive rhythm.

Iowa, known for its explosive offense, struggled early to find their groove. Caitlin Clark, who had been on fire throughout the season, found herself being closely guarded by Ohio State’s defense, with multiple defenders often collapsing on her whenever she had the ball. This defensive pressure made it difficult for Clark to find open looks, and she was forced to work harder than usual to generate points for her team.

Despite Iowa’s struggles, they managed to stay within striking distance, largely thanks to the efforts of Clark’s teammates. Monika Czinano, Iowa’s star center, kept the Hawkeyes afloat by dominating in the paint and converting on several key possessions. However, Ohio State continued to apply pressure, and their sharpshooters kept knocking down crucial shots to extend their lead. By halftime, the Buckeyes had built a solid lead, with the score sitting at 43-37 in favor of Ohio State.

Iowa’s Furious Second-Half Rally

After a halftime break, the Iowa Hawkeyes returned to the court with a renewed sense of urgency. They knew they had to dig deep to have a chance at coming back in this game, and that’s exactly what they did. Led by Caitlin Clark, who has been known to take over games when her team needs it most, Iowa began to mount a furious rally.

Clark started the second half with a series of deep three-pointers, which energized her teammates and the Iowa fanbase. The shots that had been elusive in the first half were now falling with regularity, and Clark’s ability to score from all areas of the court opened up space for her teammates to get involved offensively. The Buckeyes, who had been in control for most of the game, now found themselves in a battle, as Iowa closed the gap and eventually tied the game midway through the second half.

Monika Czinano continued to be a force inside, while Iowa’s bench provided critical contributions as well. With every passing minute, the Hawkeyes gained more confidence, and Ohio State began to feel the pressure. The lead that had once seemed comfortable for the Buckeyes started to slip away, and the game was now in a precarious position for both teams.

The crowd was roaring as Iowa tied the game at 69-69, setting the stage for a thrilling final stretch. Ohio State, who had been in control for most of the contest, was now fighting to maintain their composure as Iowa’s momentum reached its peak.

The Final Minutes of Regulation

With the game tied and less than a minute remaining, both teams had opportunities to seize the moment. Iowa had a chance to take the lead after a key defensive stop, but Caitlin Clark’s three-pointer rimmed out, and the Buckeyes quickly secured the rebound. Ohio State then had a chance to take the lead on their final possession, but Jacy Sheldon’s contested layup was blocked by Iowa’s defense.

The defensive play by the Hawkeyes set up one final possession for Iowa with just a few seconds remaining. As time ticked down, Clark once again had the ball in her hands, ready to make a play. She drove to the basket, but Ohio State’s defense collapsed on her, forcing her to dish the ball out. The pass went to Gabbie Marshall, who took a contested three-pointer at the buzzer—but it missed.

The game was headed to overtime, and the tension in the arena was palpable. Both teams had fought tooth and nail, and now the outcome would be decided in the extra period.

Overtime: Ohio State Clinches the Win

Overtime was a test of endurance and willpower, and Ohio State rose to the occasion. The Buckeyes, who had struggled with Iowa’s surge in the second half, managed to regroup and execute in the extra period. They took control early in overtime, with Jacy Sheldon hitting key shots and Taylor Mikesell contributing crucial points from the perimeter.

Iowa, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm in overtime. Despite Clark’s best efforts, including several drives to the basket and attempts to create open shots, the Buckeyes’ defense tightened. Ohio State’s ability to convert in critical moments, along with their rebounding advantage, ultimately made the difference.

In the final minutes of overtime, Iowa was forced to foul in an attempt to extend the game, but Ohio State made their free throws down the stretch, sealing the 91-87 victory.

Key Performances

While Caitlin Clark’s efforts were undoubtedly the highlight for Iowa, the game was defined by the collective performance of both teams. Clark finished the game with 30 points, including five three-pointers, and added seven rebounds and six assists. Her performance kept Iowa in the game and gave them a chance to win, but it wasn’t enough in the end.

Monika Czinano also had a strong showing for Iowa, contributing 18 points and nine rebounds, while Gabbie Marshall added 12 points. Despite the strong individual performances, the Hawkeyes were ultimately undone by their inability to capitalize on their opportunities in overtime.

For Ohio State, Jacy Sheldon was a standout, scoring 24 points and providing key leadership in overtime. Taylor Mikesell was also crucial, contributing 20 points and hitting several clutch shots in the second half and overtime. The Buckeyes’ ability to execute under pressure was ultimately what earned them the victory.

Postgame Reflections

After the game, Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder reflected on the team’s resilience and what the Hawkeyes could take away from the loss. “We fought hard, and we gave ourselves a chance. That’s all you can ask for,” Bluder said. “Ohio State is a great team, and we just didn’t make enough plays down the stretch. We’ll learn from this and get better.”

Caitlin Clark also offered her thoughts on the loss, acknowledging the team’s fight but expressing disappointment in the outcome. “We gave everything we had,” Clark said. “It’s tough to lose in overtime like that, but we’ll take this as a learning experience. We know we’re capable of competing with anyone in the country, and we’ll continue to get better.”

Ohio State head coach Kevin McGuff, on the other hand, praised his team’s ability to maintain composure and execute in critical moments. “It was a great game, and Iowa is an excellent team. I’m proud of the way our players handled the pressure and came through in overtime,” McGuff said. “This was a big win for us, and we’re looking forward to the challenges ahead.”