FYI for those Indiana Fever fans -via- Iowa Hawkeyes..conference first round was an easy win against Wisconsin 81-54, second round is tomorrow against Michigan State at 9pm ET on Big Ten Network. Tournament is being played at Gainbridge (yah, for real)..in fact, Caitlin was in attendance in today’s game. To win the conference, Iowa has to win five games in five days….
Iowa Hawkeyes Begin Conference Tournament Run with Dominant Win, Caitlin Clark in Attendance
For Indiana Fever fans keeping a close eye on Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes, the journey to a Big Ten Tournament title has officially begun. Iowa cruised to an 81-54 win over Wisconsin in the first round, setting up a second-round showdown against Michigan State tomorrow at 9 PM ET on Big Ten Network.
The tournament is being played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse—yes, that Gainbridge, home of the Indiana Fever. A fitting location, considering that Clark, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, was in attendance for today’s game.
A Long Road to a Conference Championship
Winning the Big Ten Tournament is no easy task, but for Iowa, the challenge is especially daunting. The Hawkeyes must win five games in five days to claim the title, a grueling stretch that will test their endurance, depth, and championship mentality.
While Iowa was able to handle Wisconsin with ease, things will only get tougher from here. Michigan State presents a bigger challenge, and if Iowa advances, they’ll have to navigate a gauntlet of top-tier teams like Ohio State, Indiana, and Maryland to reach the final.
Caitlin Clark’s Presence Looms Large
Although she wasn’t playing today, Caitlin Clark’s influence was undeniable. The superstar guard has been the face of college basketball this season, regularly putting up jaw-dropping performances while breaking records at an unprecedented pace. Her presence at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is notable—not just because it’s the Fever’s home arena, but because it signals her potential future in Indianapolis.
Indiana Fever fans, who are already buzzing with excitement over the possibility of Clark leading their franchise, surely took note of her courtside appearance. While she’s focused on finishing her college career strong, there’s no doubt that WNBA fans in Indiana are already envisioning her impact at the next level.
What’s Next?
Iowa’s next test comes tomorrow night against Michigan State, a team that won’t go down easily. While the Hawkeyes will enter as favorites, playing multiple games in such a short span means anything can happen.
If Iowa can continue its strong play and make a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament, it would only further cement Clark’s legacy as one of the greatest college players of all time. And for Indiana Fever fans watching closely, it might just be a preview of what’s to come.
