Iowa vs. UConn score: Caitlin Clark, Hawkeyes survive late rally to advance to second straight title game

After a slow start, Clark put together a strong second half to lead her team back to the national title game

The Iowa Hawkeyes are heading to their second consecutive national championship game after a 71-69 win over the UConn Huskies.

UConn mostly took control of the first half and the Huskies even found a double-digit advantage early. Their defense was doing a good job disrupting Iowa star Caitlin Clark, but it set the stage for Hannah Stuelke to shine.

Iowa came out of the halftime break in full force, and Stuelke put up 11 points in the third quarter to help the Hawkeyes get back in it. She would go on to finish the night with 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting.

Injuries have forced the Huskies to only use a seven-player rotation, and the struggle to keep up the same energy all game was evident in the second half as Iowa started heating up.

Clark only got two points in the first quarter, her lowest scoring quarter in the NCAA Tournament in her career. However, as Iowa picked up momentum, so did Clark. The all-time college basketball leading scorer finished the night with 21 points on 7-for-18 from the field, along with nine rebounds and seven assists.

UConn's offense was led by the trio of Paige Bueckers, Aaliyah Edwards and KK Arnold, who all scored in double figures.

Iowa's next mission won't be an easy one, as the Hawkeyes will have to face the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks in the title game on Sunday. 

CBS Sports was with you throughout the entire way on Friday with live updates, analysis and highlights.

[Apr 5, 2024 at 11:39 pm ET · Isabel Gonzalez]

(1) Iowa 71, (3) UConn 69 | Final

The Hawkeyes were struggling in the first half against a tough UConn defense, but Iowa came out hot after the break. Hannah Stuelke sparked the change of momentum with 11 points in the third quarter. The sophomore went on to finish the night with a team-high 23 points. Stuelke finding her rhythm also helped Caitlin Clark get something going. The Iowa star and college basketball all-time leading scorer flirted with a triple-double as she finished the night with 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

UConn was led by Paige Buecker and Aaliyah Edwards with 17 points each. Freshman KK Arnold was also a top contributor with 14 points. 

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