
The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Louisville Cardinals 97-83 in the Elite Eight round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. This win ended a 30-year Final Four drought for the Hawkeyes, who were led by Caitlin Clark's 41 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. The Cardinals, seeking their first national title, were unable to pull off the upset despite a strong performance by Hailey Van Lith, who scored 27 points.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | March 26, 2023 |
| Winner | Iowa Hawkeyes |
| Score | 97-83 |
| Location | Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington |
| Attendance | 11,700 |
| Referees | Kevin Pethtel, Brian Hall, In'Fini Robinson |
| Notable Players | Caitlin Clark (Iowa), Hailey Van Lith (Louisville), Olivia Cochran (Louisville) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Caitlin Clark's performance
Caitlin Clark put on a historic performance to help the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team defeat the Louisville Cardinals 97-83 and advance to the Final Four for the first time since 1993. Clark registered 41 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, becoming the first player in NCAA Tournament history, men's or women's, to record a 30 or 40-point triple-double. She also became the first Division I player to tally at least 900 points and 300 assists in a single season.
Clark's performance was described as "transcendent" and "one of the greatest performances in NCAA Tournament history." She either scored or assisted on Iowa's first 30 points, showcasing her incredible impact on the game. Louisville tried multiple defensive strategies to slow her down, including man-to-man coverage and various zone looks, but nothing could stop Clark. Her ability to both score and create for her teammates made her an unstoppable force.
Clark's shooting was a key factor in Iowa's victory. She took nine first-half three-pointers and broke Iowa's single-game NCAA Tournament record for made three-pointers. One of her most memorable shots was a three-pointer early in the fourth quarter when she jabbed, elevated over her defender, and sank the dagger, showcasing her exceptional skills and quickness. Clark's vision and decision-making were also on full display, as she consistently found the open player and created high-percentage scoring opportunities for her teammates.
Beyond her impressive statistics, Clark's leadership and composure stood out. Before the game, Clark felt calm and focused, a testament to her mental toughness. During the game, she displayed her ability to lead the team, make crucial decisions, and execute under pressure. Clark's performance not only showcased her individual brilliance but also her ability to make her teammates better, solidifying her status as one of the greatest collegiate players in women's basketball history.
Understanding High School Basketball Game Quarters
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Iowa's previous record
The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team has a rich history, with a record of 1776-1248-1 across 128 seasons of play, dating back to 1892-93. The team has enjoyed success in the Big Ten, Western, and Independent conferences, winning the conference championship 8 times during the regular season and 3 times in tournament play. They have also made 29 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Final Four on 3 occasions but have yet to claim the championship title.
In recent years, the Hawkeyes have continued to build on their legacy. On March 26, 2023, the Iowa Hawkeyes faced the Louisville Cardinals in a highly anticipated matchup. The Hawkeyes emerged victorious with a final score of 97-83, thanks in large part to the stellar performance of Caitlin Clark, who helped Iowa end a 30-year drought since their last Final Four appearance.
The game was a thrilling back-and-forth contest, with both teams displaying their offensive prowess. Clark, in particular, shone for the Hawkeyes, showcasing her all-around ability with an array of layups, jumpers, and assists. Her performance was one for the record books, as she helped Iowa secure their first Final Four berth since 1993.
The victory over Louisville added to the Hawkeyes' impressive record and continued their upward trajectory. The team's success in recent years has been a testament to their hard work and dedication, with players like Clark leading the way and inspiring future generations of Iowa Hawkeyes athletes. The program has a bright future, and fans can look forward to more exciting moments and achievements in the years to come.
Leg Sleeves in Basketball: Performance, Protection, and Style
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Louisville's previous record
Louisville's men's basketball team has a rich history, with several notable achievements over the years. The team has officially won two NCAA championships, in 1980 and 1986, and has made it to eight Final Fours. The Cardinals have had a strong presence in the NCAA Tournament, with 44 appearances and 61 tournament wins.
The team's success can be attributed to its talented players and esteemed coaches. Under the guidance of coach Denny Crum, the Cardinals became a force in college basketball, with Crum leading the team to six Final Fours and three NCAA Tournament championships during his tenure. Crum's impressive record and impact on the team were recognised with his induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1994 and the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Rick Pitino, another renowned coach, led the Cardinals to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances in 15 seasons, reaching the Elite Eight six times and the Final Four three times. However, Pitino's tenure was not without controversy, as he was fired in 2017 amid an NCAA investigation into a sex scandal involving recruits. The NCAA also vacated Louisville's records from 2011 to 2015, including the 2013 NCAA title and a 2012 Final Four appearance.
Despite recent setbacks, Louisville's men's basketball team has shown resilience and a commitment to improvement. Under new coach Pat Kelsey, the team has made a drastic one-year turnaround, with historic performances from players like Chucky Hepburn and Reyne Smith. The Cardinals are once again eyeing deep runs in the ACC Tournament and March Madness, aiming to add to their impressive basketball legacy.
As for the women's basketball team, they have had their own successes and setbacks. In the 2022-2023 season, the team had an overall record of 19-7, with notable wins over ranked opponents. In the NCAA Tournament, the team ended a 30-year Final Four drought, showcasing their potential. However, they have also experienced losses, including a defeat to Iowa in March 2023, where Iowa's Caitlin Clark put on a remarkable performance.
DePaul Blue Demons: A Division I Basketball Legacy
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.79 $15.99
$8.91 $12.99

Player statistics
On March 26, 2023, the Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Louisville Cardinals with a final score of 97-83 in a women's college basketball game.
Iowa Hawkeyes
- Caitlin Clark had a spectacular performance, making two layups, two three-point jumpers, and two regular jumpers, while missing three three-point attempts.
- McKenna Warnock missed two three-point jumpers but made one with an assist from Clark and also scored a layup, also assisted by Clark.
- Kate Martin missed a three-point jumper but made a three-pointer later in the game.
- Gabbie Marshall missed two three-point jumpers.
- Hannah Stuelke missed a layup.
- Monika Czinano, Molly Davis, and Sydney Affolter were also on the Iowa roster but their individual statistics are not available.
Louisville Cardinals
Player statistics for the Louisville Cardinals are not available. However, the following players were on the roster: Hailey Van Lith, Mykasa Robinson, Nyla Harris, Chrislyn Carr, Olivia Cochran, Merissah Russell, Morgan Jones, and Norika Konno.
Point Guards: Key to Your Fantasy Basketball Success
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.95 $14.95

The game's turning points
The game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Louisville Cardinals on March 26, 2023, was a highly anticipated matchup in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. The game was a close contest, but the Hawkeyes ultimately pulled away with the victory, ending with a score of 97-83.
The game's first turning point came early on, with Louisville opening the game on an 8-0 run, forcing Iowa to call a timeout. However, Iowa's Caitlin Clark took over from there, going on a 7-0 run by herself and dominating the first half. She had an incredible performance, scoring 22 points and dishing out 8 assists in the first half, including scoring or assisting on all of Iowa's 25 points in the first quarter. Clark's dominance allowed Iowa to weather the early Louisville storm and gain control of the game.
The second turning point came in the third quarter. After trading blows in the second quarter, with Louisville ending the half on a strong 14-7 run to keep the game close, Iowa started to pull away. They went on a 9-0 run to build a 12-point lead with 5:18 left in the third. While Louisville responded with two quick buckets to start the second half, Iowa's hot shooting continued, outscoring Louisville 30-14 in the quarter and extending their lead to as many as 22 points.
The third and final turning point came in the fourth quarter when Louisville attempted a comeback. With Iowa in cruise control and up by 22 points, Louisville threatened with a 13-1 run to make it a 10-point game with just over two minutes remaining. However, this was as close as they could get, as Iowa held on for the victory.
The game was a showcase of the talent and determination of both teams, with standout performances from Caitlin Clark of Iowa, who finished with 41 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, and Hailey Van Lith of Louisville, who led her team with 27 points. Iowa's victory ended Louisville's quest for their first national title and sent the Hawkeyes to the Final Four for the first time since 1993.
Duke's Basketball Triumph: A Recap of Their Victory
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Iowa won the game, beating Louisville 97-83.
Iowa last beat Louisville in basketball on 12/4/2014, winning 86-52.
Caitlin Clark's 41 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for Iowa were a key factor in their victory. Louisville's Hailey Van Lith also scored 27 points.































