Iowa women’s basketball, Caitlin Clark beat Michigan to reach Big Ten Tournament final

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MINNEAPOLIS — If there was any question whether this Iowa women’s basketball party would keep marching through Minneapolis uninterrupted, the Big Ten Tournament tossed another instant hurdle at the Hawkeyes that would’ve tripped up many.

All Iowa did was calmly swat it away, completely unbothered by the early turbulence.

Despite No. 6 seed Michigan draining six first-quarter 3-pointers that should’ve created some kind of upset vibe inside Target Center, the No. 2 seed Hawkeyes leaned on the building’s favorable vibe and methodically found the needed separation to roll into Sunday’s championship game.

Saturday’s 95-68 semifinal win over the Wolverines sets up Iowa (28-4) with a coveted rematch against Nebraska. as the Hawkeyes go for their third consecutive Big Ten Tournament crown at 11 a.m. on CBS. The No. 5 seed Cornhuskers toppled No. 8 seed Maryland in Saturday’s first semifinal.

“March is the best time to play,” said veteran guard Kate Martin, who’s now reached five Big Ten Tournament title games in her six years. “It’s been really fun.”

More:Leistikow: More history for Caitlin Clark, who has Iowa on doorstep of Big Ten three-peat

Having met just once in the regular season as the backdrop to Caitlin Clark’s first record-setting night in Iowa City, the Wolverines (20-13) got a clean crack at the Hawkeyes with no external elements lingering in the air. Although it was essentially another black-and-gold road game, the start Michigan delivered should’ve generated ample confidence in a tough spot.

One Wolverine trey fell — then another, then another. And it didn’t matter one bit.

Michigan ultimately splashed home their first seven treys and constructed a first-quarter lead as large as eight, only to watch it all vanish into oblivion amid another Iowa avalanche. The Hawkeyes began the second quarter down three. Not even five minutes later, Iowa had a double-digit cushion that rarely disappeared.

“We didn’t like panic or anything at that end,” Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said. “It’s like there’s a lot more basketball to be played. So it was just like we got to get out and protect the threes. They were shooting the three ball really well the first half. We did a much better job of protecting the second half.”

Iowa’s momentum-snatching 20-5 run came in waves, with Clark and Affolter facilitating most of it. There wasn’t going to be a second sputtering start. Clark’s 28-point, 15-assist night began instantly and didn’t let up until until reaching a fourth quarter reserved for bench celebrations.

Affolter’s follow-up effort to Friday’s elevated role unfolded just as smoothly. Twelve points, eight assists and seven rebounds accentuated the versatility that the Hawkeyes have with this Chicago product.

“I think Syd is playing the best basketball she’s played in her career,” Clark said. “I couldn’t be happier for her. She’s one of those kids who works really hard and has always been in the gym. Obviously has played behind a lot of really good people we’ve had in our program. This has been her year to have her moment and step up, especially with Molly (Davis) going down.

“She’s done exactly that.”

Just as encouraging was Hannah Stuelke’s Saturday effort. A perfect 7-for-7 from the field gave way to a 16-point outing that showcased aggressiveness from the jump, helping Iowa own a robust 54-16 advantage in the paint. Thirteen more from Martin often came in timely spots.

Michigan did eventually cool from deep, finishing 11-for-23 after a 10-for-14 start thanks to an Iowa defensive effort that cycled through look to remain unpredictable. Just as they did last month in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the Wolverines had to feel helpless as another black-and-gold wave engulfed them beyond repair.

“We were the lucky ones that got to be at Iowa when Caitlin broke (Kelsey Plum’s) record, so we kind of were in the same environment. It was a little bit crazier there, but very similar to today,” Michigan coach Kim Barnes-Arico said. “Any time they made a run, the place erupted. Any time there was a big play, the place erupted.”

That’s how things are going in Minneapolis, where Iowa fans have turned Target Center into their personal basketball palace. Now given a chance to cap this magical weekend with a revenge win over Nebraska, it’s hard to envision Sunday going any differently than the rest of the weekend has for Iowa and its crew.

Two funky starts, two blowout wins. So far, a perfect start to another Iowa celebration.

“Can we just talk a second about the Iowa Hawkeye fans?” Bluder said. “It is amazing what they are doing for our team. We absolutely love them. We are so thankful for them.”