Who will come on top on the UConn vs Iowa game of Women’s March Madness final four?
The stage has been set. Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes have reached the Final Four and will tangle with the UConn Huskies, one of the historical giants of the sport. It is arguably the story of March Madness and sets the stage for an epic showdown.
As these powerhouse teams vie for a coveted spot in the national championship game, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will the Hawkeyes’ impressive 33-4 record, buoyed by their recent victory over LSU with a score of 94-87, be enough to secure their advancement? Or will the Huskies’ formidable 33-5 standing, fueled by their triumphant win against USC with a score of 80-73, propel them to victory?
Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making and to be part of the action. Place your bets now with ClutchBuzz sportsbook and elevate your March Madness experience to new heights. Will you back the Hawkeyes or the Huskies?
Where To Watch UConn vs Iowa Women’s March Madness Final Four?
Date: Friday, April 5, 2024
Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Location: Rocket Mortgage Field House, Cleveland, Ohio. Read more about it here.
TV Broadcast: ESPN Online Streaming: ESPN+
UConn vs Iowa Women’s Basketball: Predictions
The big question from a UConn standpoint is whether Paige Bueckers and company can go shot for shot with Clark. UConn is a deeper team overall and Aaliyah Edwards is definitely going to be a lot to handle for Hannah Stuelke of Iowa.
The onus is going to be on the rest of the rotation for UConn; they’ll either need to catch and shoot or find a way to get both Edwards and Bueckers to get open and do damage. That said, Clark is a woman on a mission. It feels like her time and she should be the difference once again.
UConn vs Iowa: Key Stats and Odds:
- Point Spread: Iowa favored by 3 points
- Over/Under: Total points set at 162
- Money Line: Iowa Hawkeyes at -160, UConn Huskies at +135
- Iowa: Shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc
- UConn: Averaging 19.7 assists per game
What to Expect from UConn?
Though it has been a few years since the Huskies last won the national championship, this is not new territory for them. This is their third Final Four in the last four years and fourth in six years. This tournament is home to them.
Clark and the Huskies may be slightly favored but UConn is finding its stride. They have several top players and are led by the legendary Geno Auriemma. If anyone is going to stop the storybook run of Clark and Iowa, it could be the Huskies.
UConn Key Players And Strategies To Beat Iowa
With an impressive 23 appearances in the Final Four throughout their school history, UConn boasts a formidable legacy.
This season, the Huskies showcase a dynamic offensive lineup, leading the Big East in multiple categories including scoring offense (80.7), field-goal percentage (.500), and rebounding (38.8). Their proficiency extends beyond scoring, as they also rank second in 3-point percentage (.366).
Fueling UConn’s prowess is junior guard Bueckers, recognized as one of the nation’s premier players. Demonstrating remarkable versatility, Bueckers adeptly dissects opposing defenses, exhibiting proficiency across all areas of the court.
Her offensive repertoire spans from perimeter shooting to penetrating drives, while her defensive tenacity poses challenges for opponents. Leading the team in scoring (22), steals (2.3), and blocks (1.4), Bueckers consistently delivers standout performances, exemplified by her recent stellar outing of 28 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
Check our complete Final Four March Madness Women predictions here.
November 27, 2022: UConn Huskies forward Lou Lopez-Senechal (11) drives to the basket during the PK85 Tournament championship game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the UConn Huskies at the Moda Center, Portland, OR. Larry C. Lawson/CSM (Cal Sport Media via AP Images) (Credit Image: © Larry C. Lawson/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire) (Cal Sport Media via AP Images)
What Are UConn’s Main Strengths?
In addition to Bueckers’ offensive prowess, Aaliyah Edwards emerges as a pivotal figure in the team’s success, commanding the boards with an impressive 9.3 rebounds per game, a testament to her dominance in the paint. Moreover, UConn’s proficiency beyond the arc is evident, as the team consistently knocks down an average of 7.1 three-pointers per game, boasting a commendable shooting accuracy of 36.4%.
Defensively, the Huskies showcase their tenacity by stifling opposing offenses, allowing a mere 70.8 points per 100 possessions, a testament to their defensive discipline and strategic prowess. Furthermore, their ability to force turnovers at a rate of 16.3 per game underscores their defensive intensity and disruptive capabilities, further solidifying their status as a defensive juggernaut.
What to Expect from Iowa?
It goes without saying, but Iowa is one of the best offenses in the country. Clark is averaging more than 30 points per game this year, clearly carrying the load. She also leads in 3-pointers made per game (5.0), assists (10.5), steals (2.1) and is tied with Kate Martin for the lead with 8.1 rebounds per game.
The rest of the Hawkeyes are solid if unrecognized. Sydney Affolter nearly averages 12/7/3 per game, doing her part to take some of the pressure off of Clark.
Iowa Key Players And Strategies To Beat UConn
The Hawkeyes boast the most formidable offensive statistics in the nation. Their dominance is evident as they lead the country in scoring offense (91.9), assists (21.2), and rank second in field goal percentage (49.9%).
This high-powered offensive prowess has seamlessly transitioned into the NCAA Tournament, with the team tallying at least 89 points in three of their last four games.
All Eyes On Caitlin Clark
All eyes have been on Clark through this stage of the NCAA tournament, and it shouldn’t change now that we’ve reached the Final Four. She put up 41 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds against LSU in the Elite Eight, earning Most Outstanding Player for the region.
She’s broken several NCAA tournament benchmarks, most recent of which was the record for most career assists (passing Temeka Johnson). Though the record is no doubt nice, the big thing that Clark and Iowa are focusing on is the program’s first national title.
As the 2023 and recently elected 2024 AP Player of the Year, Clark not only leads the nation in scoring with 32 points per game but also facilitates play with 9 assists per game, all while securing an impressive 7.3 rebounds per game.
In their Elite Eight victory against LSU, Clark’s dominance was on full display as she amassed an impressive 41 points, along with seven rebounds and 12 assists.
When Caitlin Clark plays next? Find out here.
🏆🏆
For the second straight year, @CaitlinClark22 is the Basketball Honda Sport Award winner. @CWSA_HondaCup x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/VOXFuMj0bm
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) April 4, 2024
Who Are The Betting Favorites On UConn Vs Iowa Matchup?
Iowa’s Betting Stats
Iowa’s betting trends reveal a relatively consistent performance, with a 20-15-0 record against the spread (ATS) this season, particularly excelling as favorites of 2.5 points or more.
They’ve shown a propensity for high-scoring games, with 24 out of 35 contests surpassing the point total. Additionally, they’ve demonstrated dominance in moneyline matchups, winning 85.7% of games when favored by -152 or more.
Learn how to bet on sports in Iowa here.
Nothing but respect for Caitlin Clark from LSU's Angel Reese 👏 pic.twitter.com/HeRvrhcEHQ
— ClutchBet (@ClutchBetSB) April 2, 2024
UConn’s Betting Stats
On the other hand, UConn’s betting statistics highlight a slightly less favorable outcome, covering the spread in 21 out of 35 games, but struggling as underdogs of 2.5 points or more. Despite a tendency for high-scoring matchups, they’ve faced challenges as moneyline underdogs, losing both games. Additionally, they’ve been unable to secure victories in games where listed as significant underdogs of +122 or more.
Final Thoughts And Predictions For UConn vs Iowa
This is going to be an offensive slugfest in every sense. Paige Bueckers is as legit as it gets but there is no one like Clark.
She and the Hawkeyes are supremely motivated and looking to avenge their loss in last year’s Final Four. Getting over this massive hump would put them one step closer to the final goal: a national championship.
Catch the action on April 5, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on ESPN. And for those looking to add to the excitement, ClutchBuzz sportsbook offers betting options.
It’s set to be a riveting clash, so don’t miss out on the UConn vs. Iowa matchup in the Women’s March Madness Final Four. Also, don’t forget to watch 3 hours before the other game of Final Four between NC State and South Carolina, where the first ticket to the Championship game will be known.
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Iowa: 1-800-BETS OFF
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Louisiana: 1-877-770-STOP pic.twitter.com/4HpHrllDN6— ClutchBet (@ClutchBetSB) April 4, 2024
