Iowa women’s basketball will start their 2024 NCAA Tournament campaign against Holy Cross.
The Iowa women’s basketball team has received all the necessary information for their inaugural game in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. They were already aware of the when and where, and now they are aware of the opposing team.
The contest between the 16 seeds Holy Cross and UT Martin took place at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Thursday evening. The winner would progress to face the formidable Hawkeyes in the round of 64.
Holy Cross claimed that opportunity with a resounding victory, triumphing over UT Martin with a score of 72-45.
“Holy Cross coach Maureen Magarity lauded her team’s cohesion and conveyed their eagerness to keep competing. They didn’t want this to be their final practice, their last warm-up, or their ultimate game,” she expressed.
Holy Cross asserted complete dominance throughout the game. They commenced strongly and never allowed UT Martin a foothold. Holy Cross connected on four 3-pointers before the first media timeout and maintained the lead throughout the entire game.
Offensively, Holy Cross performed exceptionally well. They registered a 46% shooting accuracy from the field and a 38% accuracy from beyond the arc. Conversely, UT Martin struggled, converting only 26% of their field goal attempts, along with a dismal 1-of-19 from the 3-point line. Holy Cross exhibited a formidable defensive showing, limiting their opponents to a low shooting percentage. Prior to the game, the Crusaders had allowed an average of only 56.2 points per game, a figure that was further improved following Thursday’s performance.
Holy Cross guard Cara McCormack delivered an exceptional performance, accumulating 23 points, including seven successful 3-point shots out of ten attempts. She has achieved double-digit scoring figures in eight of her last twelve games. Bronagh Power-Cassidy, another guard for Holy Cross, showcased glimpses of brilliance, albeit not with equal shooting efficiency. Power-Cassidy contributed 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting. She has achieved double figures in her past nine games, including two games surpassing 30 points. In one of those games, she connected on seven out of ten attempts from beyond the arc.
Holy Cross’ offensive production on Thursday surpassed their typical average. The team typically scores under 63 points per game and maintains a 32.9% accuracy from deep. McCormack and Power-Cassidy demonstrated their ability to score in high-pressure situations. Now, it is up to Iowa’s guards, such as Caitlin Clark, Gabbie Marshall, and Sydney Affolter, to attempt to contain Holy Cross’ seasoned backcourt.Maureen Magarity, now in her fourth year as the head coach of Holy Cross, has achieved remarkable success with the team. This notably marks the team’s third consecutive season with 20 or more wins. In the 2022-23 season, Holy Cross recorded their second-highest single-season win total in program history, achieving 24 wins. McCormack, a member of the team, expressed the team’s strong bond and credited coach Magarity for fostering a familial atmosphere. McCormack praised the coach’s approachability and the sense of excitement and motivation that she brought to the team, particularly in the postseason game. Holy Cross is now making their second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament, following their defeat by Maryland with a score of 93-61 in the previous season.
Following their victory against UT Martin, Holy Cross will be facing another Big Ten team in the NCAA Tournament. The season has had its ups and downs, with Holy Cross winning nine consecutive games at one point, only to experience a stretch of four consecutive losses. However, the Crusaders found their momentum at the right time by winning their final regular-season game and securing three victories in the Patriot League Tournament, which earned them a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
With their recent victory, Holy Cross now holds a five-game winning streak as they approach their matchup against Iowa on Saturday at 2 p.m. (ABC). Coach Magarity emphasized the team’s need to fight for possessions and expressed confidence in their preparedness for the game against Iowa. He believes that it will be an extraordinary experience for the team to have the opportunity to play on Saturday. During Thursday’s game, many members of the Iowa women’s team, including Clark and Coach Lisa Bluder, were present at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Clark’s prominence has not only brought attention to herself but also to the Iowa program. Despite falling short of a Big Ten regular-season title, the Hawkeyes have lived up to most expectations, boasting an impressive record of 29-4. In their last six games, Iowa has gained momentum by winning three games in the Big Ten Tournament and making a comeback from an eight-point deficit against Nebraska to win the championship game.
Coach Magarity acknowledges the talent and impact of Caitlin Clark while also recognizing that Iowa’s success is attributed to the other players she can pass to. The performance in the NCAA Tournament often defines a team’s legacy, and Iowa will strive to finish what they started last season when their run to the national championship game ended with a loss to LSU.
The key question for Iowa is whether the supporting cast can contribute enough alongside Clark, or if Clark will have to carry the team on her own. The pressure that the team faces is an important factor to watch as the tournament progresses. The road to the Final Four in Cleveland is expected to be challenging, and Iowa now knows their starting point: they will be playing against Holy Cross at Carver on Saturday.