Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes clinched a spot in the national title game by edging out Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies in a thrilling Final Four showdown in Cleveland, winning 71-69.
However, the game wasn’t without controversy. A crucial offensive foul call against UConn’s Aaliyah Edwards in the final seconds gave Iowa a chance to seal the victory. With UConn trailing by one point and less than five seconds remaining, Edwards was penalized for an illegal screen, handing the ball back to Iowa with just 3.9 seconds left.
To call that on a game deciding play is so wrong WOW
— Kelsey Plum (@Kelseyplum10) April 6, 2024
Offensive foul on UConn… do you agree with the call? #FinalFour 🏀🦓pic.twitter.com/UsbmCTh6Bt
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 6, 2024
Despite UConn’s efforts to force turnovers and regain possession, the game ended with Iowa’s narrow victory. Caitlin Clark made a free throw after being fouled. The questionable call sparked widespread criticism, with UConn coach Geno Auriemma expressing frustration over the officiating.
“There’s probably an illegal screen call that you could make on every single possession, I just know that three or four of them called on us and I don’t think there were any called on them.” : UConn coach Geno Auriemma said after the game
Despite the controversy, the game lived up to its expectations as a thrilling matchup. Iowa’s win sets up a showdown with undefeated South Carolina in the NCAA Tournament championship game. Clark and Hannah Stuelke led the Hawkeyes in scoring, while Bueckers and Edwards were the top scorers for UConn.
