Caitlin Clark Hyped by WCBB Fans as Iowa Wins Big Ten Title in Comeback vs. Nebraska

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Iowa captured a third straight Big Ten tournament title after outlasting Nebraska 94-89 in overtime.

Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark dropped a game-high 34 points, 30 of which came after the first half, and added 12 assists and three steals.

Sophomore forward Hannah Stuelke nearly had a double-double of her own (25 points and nine rebounds), while senior guard Kate Martin had 13 points and stepped up big late.

Ultimately it was another showcase for Clark.

The reigning national player of the year shook off her slow start to play a pivotal role in her team’s victory. She went 5-of-7 from the field for 12 points in the fourth quarter, tying the score at 77 points apiece with 29.3 seconds on the clock in regulation. Her three-pointer also put Iowa ahead 89-87 with 51.3 seconds remaining in overtime.

Clark garnered plenty of praise on social media for delivering when it mattered the most:

Sunday may have served as a warning sign for Iowa, though.

After McKenna Warnock and Monika Czinano graduated from last year’s national runner-up squad, the Hawkeyes were going to live and die even more based on how Clark performed. But there’s almost no precedent in recent history for a team winning a title when leaning this heavily on one star.

Clark’s 40.5 percent usage rate before Sunday was the third-highest in the country, per Her Hoop Stats.

Diana Taurasi didn’t have a usage that high when she was far and away the best player on UConn during its 2003 and 2004 championship teams. Even Candace Parker didn’t control the proceedings this much when she put Tennessee on her back in 2007 and 2008.

Looking ahead to the NCAA tournament, Iowa might be in serious trouble if Clark has another half like she did Sunday against Nebraska.