Hannah Stuelke was a decisive factor in Iowa’s victory against UConn.
In Cleveland, Hannah Stuelke showcased her scoring prowess once again, surpassing her previous high point total in a game by more than double. However, her performance on Friday night against UConn was particularly noteworthy given the circumstances.
Stuelke delivered 23 points, with 11 of those coming in a crucial third quarter, propelling second-ranked Iowa to a narrow 71-69 victory over No. 10 Connecticut in the NCAA women’s basketball national semifinal at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Caitlin Clark of Iowa praised Stuelke’s energy and dominance on the court, while Stuelke herself modestly joked about her sophomore status and perfect record in reaching the championship game. She converted 9 of 12 field goal attempts and 5 of 7 free throws, earning praise from Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder for her stellar performance.
Despite her standout game, Stuelke remains humble, crediting her teammates for their support and assistance in feeding her the ball effectively. She also demonstrated her defensive prowess by holding her own against UConn’s Aaliyah Edwards, drawing admiration from Clark for her physicality and fearlessness.
Stuelke’s 11-point outburst in the third quarter was pivotal in Iowa’s comeback from a 12-point deficit, complemented by a crucial four-point play by Clark. The game remained tightly contested, with Iowa seizing control in the fourth quarter and ultimately securing the victory.
While Stuelke’s previous high-scoring game saw her explode for 47 points against Penn State, her performance against UConn, considering the stakes and the quality of the opponent, was arguably even more impressive.
Following their late-night victory, the Hawkeyes quickly shifted focus to their next challenge against top-ranked South Carolina, with the desire to return to the championship game driving their determination.
