Saoirse Downs
The Iowa Hawkeyes and the UConn Huskies have faced off in several thrilling women's basketball games in recent years, including a 2024 Final Four matchup. In that game, the No. 1 seed Iowa team, led by star Caitlin Clark, narrowly beat No. 3 seed UConn, with Paige Bueckers leading the way for the Huskies. The game came down to the wire, with Iowa holding on for a 71-69 victory to advance to the national championship game. This game was a hard-fought battle between two talented teams, showcasing the skill and excitement of women's college basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, April 5, 2024 |
| Winner | Iowa Hawkeyes |
| Score | 71-69 |
| Notable Players | Caitlin Clark (Iowa), Nika Mühl (UConn), Paige Bueckers (UConn), Hannah Stuelke (Iowa) |
| Tournament | NCAA Tournament Final Four |
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What You'll Learn
Iowa's win against UConn in the 2024 Final Four game
The Iowa Hawkeyes beat the UConn Huskies 71-69 in the 2024 Final Four game, advancing to their second straight title game. The No. 1 seed Iowa came back from a 32-26 deficit at halftime, with Caitlin Clark and Hannah Stuelke leading the way. UConn senior Nika Mühl had put the pressure on Clark, who didn't score a single 3-pointer in the first half. However, Clark found her rhythm in the third quarter, and Stuelke also came to life, helping Iowa tie the game at the end of the third. With 10 seconds left, Iowa held a one-point lead, but UConn had the ball and a chance to win it. Ultimately, Iowa held on for the victory and the chance to play for the national championship.
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Caitlin Clark's performance for Iowa
Caitlin Clark is regarded as one of the greatest collegiate players in the history of the women's game. Clark played college basketball for the Iowa Hawkeyes and helped popularise the women's game, a trend known as the "Caitlin Clark effect".
Clark is the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer and was a two-time national player of the year with the Hawkeyes. In her senior season, Clark became the Division I women's career and single-season leader in points and three-pointers, breaking the all-time conference record in assists. She also led the nation in both points and assists. Clark is the all-time leader in 30+ point performances (56) in men's and women's college basketball over the last 25 seasons.
Clark's performances for Iowa have been described as "ridiculous" and "terrific". She is the first women's player to lead Division I in points and assists in a single season, and she has helped Iowa set numerous attendance and revenue records. Clark's triple-double performances have been particularly notable, and she and Sabrina Ionescu are the only players in college women's basketball history to record a triple-double in four consecutive seasons.
In the 2024 Final Four game against UConn, Clark faced pressure from UConn senior Nika Mühl, and she didn't score a single 3-pointer in the first half. However, she found her mark in the second half, and her 3s helped Iowa come back to win the game 71-69 and advance to the title game. Clark's performance in this game was described as "tough to stop" by UConn Women's Basketball on Twitter.
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UConn's defensive player of the year, Nika Muhl
In a close game, Iowa beat UConn in the 2024 Final Four with a final score of 71-69. UConn's brick-wall defence gave the Huskies the upper hand in the first half, but the Hawkeyes fought back, tying the game at the end of the third quarter. UConn's Nika Muhl, the team's defensive leader, put pressure on Iowa's Caitlin Clark, preventing her from scoring a single 3-pointer in the first half.
Nika Muhl, a sophomore point guard for the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. Her defensive prowess was evident in the game against Iowa, where she effectively guarded one of the nation's top players, Caitlin Clark. Muhl's defensive skills and leadership have earned her recognition as one of the best defenders in college basketball.
Muhl's defensive abilities are exceptional, averaging 2.2 steals per game, the second-best in the Big East. She plays a crucial role in the Huskies' defence, which allowed a league-best 50.8 points per game against conference opponents. Her ability to communicate and lead on the defensive end sets her apart. Coach Geno Auriemma praised Muhl's impact, stating, "It's a 180-degree difference when she's on the floor. She's going to bring tremendous energy and defensive intensity."
Muhl is the 11th UConn player to receive the conference defensive player of the year honour, joining a prestigious list of former UConn stars. Her defensive prowess and leadership qualities have established her as a key player for the Huskies, and she is expected to continue making a significant impact on the team's success. Muhl's defensive skills were on full display in the game against Iowa, showcasing her well-deserved recognition as UConn's defensive player of the year.
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Iowa's advancement to the national championship
Iowa's women's basketball team advanced to the national championship game in 2024 after a narrow 71-69 victory over UConn in the Final Four. The game was a close contest, with UConn's brick-wall defence giving them the upper hand in the first half, and Iowa trailing 32-26 at halftime. UConn's senior player Nika Mühl put pressure on Iowa's superstar Caitlin Clark, who didn't score a single 3-pointer in the first half. However, Clark bounced back in the second half, finding her range and scoring 14 points. Sophomore Hannah Stuelke also stepped up for Iowa, with her toughness on full display. With 10 seconds left, Iowa held a one-point lead, but UConn had the ball and a chance to win the game. Ultimately, Iowa's mental toughness and resilience shone through, as they survived a late UConn rally to secure their second straight appearance in the national championship game.
Iowa's victory over UConn in the Final Four highlighted the team's growth and resilience. Despite facing a strong defensive team like UConn, Iowa demonstrated their ability to adapt and persevere. Clark's performance, particularly her second-half comeback, underscored her mental toughness and determination to deliver in crucial moments. The contributions of other players, such as Stuelke's consistent scoring and toughness, also played a pivotal role in Iowa's success.
The advancement to the national championship game was a significant achievement for Iowa, as they earned their spot through hard work, resilience, and mental toughness. Their ability to overcome a strong opponent like UConn, who were led by defensive standout Nika Mühl, showcased Iowa's depth and character. Iowa's victory set the stage for a highly anticipated championship game against South Carolina, who remained undefeated going into the final.
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UConn's 12th NCAA championship win
In 2025, the UConn Huskies women's basketball team won their 12th NCAA championship title, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks by a score of 82-59. This victory marked the first championship for the UConn women's team since 2016 and the first time in coach Dawn Staley's three championship appearances that her team fell short.
UConn's victory was driven by the outstanding performances of several key players. Graduate student Azzi Fudd and freshman Sarah Strong each scored 24 points, while senior Paige Bueckers added 17 points. Fudd, who had battled injuries in the past, averaged 21.4 points per game across the NCAA tournament, showcasing her resilience and growth. Strong, a rising star, made history by becoming the first UConn freshman to achieve four double-doubles in a single NCAA tournament. Bueckers also achieved a milestone, surpassing Maya Moore for the most career NCAA tournament points by a UConn player with 477 points.
The Huskies dominated the game from the start, leading by double digits at halftime and maintaining their momentum throughout. UConn's victory was a testament to their reputation as a basketball powerhouse and further solidified their place at the top of the sport. The team's success can also be attributed to Hall of Fame head coach Geno Auriemma, who has led UConn to numerous national championships and has an impressive record in national title games.
This 12th championship win by the UConn women's basketball team added to the university's impressive athletic legacy. With this victory, UConn has now captured a total of 26 national championships across various sports, including 12 in women's basketball, six in men's basketball, five in field hockey, and three in men's soccer. The women's basketball team's triumph in 2025 also marked a unique "three-peat," as the men's basketball team had won the NCAA title in both 2023 and 2024.
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Frequently asked questions
Iowa won the game with a final score of 71-69.
Caitlin Clark, who plays for Iowa, and Paige Bueckers, who plays for UConn, were key players in the game.
The game took place on Friday, April 5, 2024.
Iowa's win advanced them to their second straight title game.
