Takeaways as Iowa women's basketball downs Michigan in Big Ten Tourney
· Yahoo Sports
The Iowa Hawkeyes are once again going back to the Big Ten Tournament title game! In what feels like a game synonymous with the Hawkeyes' program, Iowa used a strong fourth quarter, suffocating the Michigan Wolverines to win 59-42 in the semifinals.
Iowa relied on defense, its stars, and its experience in big, close, postseason games to pull away late and give itself a shot at the UCLA Bruins tomorrow, who they are set to tip off against at 1:15 p.m. CT on CBS from Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
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As the Hawkeyes get some rest tonight, check out the biggest takeaways from the Hawkeyes' statement win over the Michigan Wolverines.
The fourth quarter was an Iowa clinic
This fourth quarter was an absolute clinic on finishing games and putting teams away. The fourth began with the Wolverines leading 36-35 after holding Iowa to just seven points in the third quarter.
Jan Jensen rallied the troops, and Iowa put this game away emphatically. Iowa rattled off a 24-6 fourth quarter to run away with this thing and take away any doubts down the stretch. This is what good teams do. They close out games, and they turn it on when it matters. Iowa did just that.
Full team effort
Iowa was so well-rounded in this game. They received contributions up and down the starting lineup. Ava Heiden led the way with 16 points and was followed by Chit Chat Wright and Hannah Stuelke, pouring in 13, while Taylor Stremlow delivered 11 points, with a handful coming in the fourth quarter to close this game out.
Iowa isn't just a one-trick pony. They are a deep, balanced, talented offensive attack that can score inside and out. Iowa shot 44% on the day, but was buoyed by a 46% performance from three-point range. The greatest effort came on the boards, where Iowa outrebounded Michigan 41-32 and dominated the paint, outscoring Michigan 24-16 down low.
Defense won the day
This was a defensive clinic. Iowa held Michigan to just four points in the first quarter and just six points in the fourth quarter. Bookending a game with two quarters combining for just 10 points is a recipe for success that is going to work out quite often and help on days when things on offense aren't clicking perfectly.
With UCLA awaiting tomorrow, this is the type of effort the Hawkeyes are going to need on the defensive end against a potent Bruins' attack that is skilled across the board.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire : Takeaways as Iowa women's basketball downs Michigan in Big Ten Tourney