In a thrilling showdown at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the Iowa women’s basketball team pulled off a stunning upset against the #4 USC Trojans with a final score of 76-69. The victory was made even more special as the program honored Caitlin Clark by retiring her #22 jersey.
Defense was the name of the game for Iowa, as they stifled USC right from the start. Holding the Trojans to a mere 7 percent shooting in the first quarter, Iowa surged ahead to a commanding 18-4 lead. USC’s offensive struggles were evident, with only four points scored in the entire first frame – their lowest performance of the season.
As the game progressed, Iowa’s tenacity on both ends of the court was on full display. They closed out the third quarter with a strong offensive push, making five of their last six field goals and shutting down USC to take a narrow 51-50 lead. In the final quarter, Iowa’s shooting prowess came to the forefront, hitting an impressive 64 percent from the floor to secure the win.
The standout performances of Taylor McCabe, Lucy Olsen, and Addi O’Grady propelled Iowa to this historic victory. McCabe joined the elite ranks of the Hawkeyes by netting her 100th career three-pointer, while Olsen led the team with a career-high 28 points, showcasing her skills with 10-of-18 shooting from the field and eight free throws.
O’Grady, a consistent force on the court, notched double figures for the 17th time this season, stepping up when needed most. The contributions of Hannah Stuelke and Sydney Affolter were also crucial, with Stuelke recording 10 points and five rebounds, and Affolter delivering an impressive performance with 11 points, nine rebounds, and a career-high eight free throws.
The victory over USC added another milestone to Iowa’s storied basketball history. The team’s dominance in Iowa City, with a record of 125-19 dating back to 2016, and their impressive track record against top-ranked opponents underscore their position as a formidable force in college basketball.
Looking ahead, the Hawkeyes are set to take on Minnesota in their next game on Thursday, Feb. 6. As they continue their journey through the season, Iowa’s resilience and determination will undoubtedly be put to the test once again on the court.
