Iowa Hawkeyes Tip-Off Post-Caitlin Clark Era Against High-Scoring Murray State
The Iowa Hawkeyes, seeded No. 6 in the NCAA Tournament, embark on a new chapter Saturday, facing the No. 11 seed Murray State Racers in a first-round matchup. This tournament marks the beginning of the post-Caitlin Clark era for Iowa, a program that has captivated the nation with its electrifying offense and deep tournament runs in recent years.
Iowa’s journey to the national spotlight, fueled by Clark’s generational talent, culminated in appearances in the national championship game in the past two seasons. However, with Clark now pursuing her professional career in the WNBA and the legendary coach Lisa Bluder retiring after a remarkable 24-year tenure at the helm, the Hawkeyes are navigating significant transitions.
Enter Jan Jensen, the new head coach tasked with guiding the Hawkeyes into this new era. Jensen, a longtime assistant under Bluder, inherits a program steeped in tradition and expectations. Her first season has been deemed a success, amassing 22 victories and establishing a new identity for the team. While the loss of Clark’s unparalleled scoring prowess and court vision is undeniable, Jensen has focused on building a more balanced offensive approach and leveraging the talents of her returning and incoming players.
The matchup against Murray State presents a challenging first test for Jensen and the Hawkeyes. The Racers are not your typical No. 11 seed; they are a high-octane offensive machine that leads the nation in scoring, averaging a staggering 87.9 points per game. Their prolific scoring is fueled by a combination of accurate three-point shooting and efficient free-throw conversion, ranking among the top 10 nationally in both categories. The Racers enter the tournament riding a wave of momentum, having won their last 10 games, showcasing their ability to consistently perform at a high level.
Iowa will need to be prepared for a track meet-style game, as Murray State’s pace and offensive firepower will undoubtedly push the Hawkeyes’ defense to its limits. Slowing down the Racers’ attack and controlling the tempo of the game will be crucial for Iowa’s success.
Leading the charge for the Hawkeyes is senior transfer Lucy Olsen. Olsen, who arrived in Iowa City with significant expectations, has stepped up as the team’s leading scorer, averaging 18 points per game. Her ability to create her own shot and score from various spots on the floor will be essential for Iowa’s offense to thrive. Olsen will need to be aggressive in attacking the basket and drawing fouls, putting pressure on the Murray State defense.
Alongside Olsen, junior forward Hannah Stuelke provides a crucial presence in the paint. Stuelke averages 12.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, offering a reliable scoring option and a strong rebounding presence for the Hawkeyes. Her physicality and ability to score inside will be vital in countering Murray State’s perimeter-oriented offense. Stuelke’s rebounding will be particularly important in limiting second-chance opportunities for the Racers and securing possessions for Iowa.
While Olsen and Stuelke are the primary offensive threats for Iowa, the Hawkeyes will need contributions from other players to compete with Murray State’s scoring depth. Players like Molly Davis, Sydney Affolter, and Taylor McCabe will need to be ready to knock down open shots and contribute on the defensive end. The Hawkeyes’ ability to spread the floor and create open looks for these players will be crucial in keeping the Murray State defense honest.
On the Murray State side, the Racers boast a balanced offensive attack led by senior forward Katelyn Young. Young, a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference first-team selection, is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 22.2 points per game. Her experience and scoring prowess make her a focal point of the Racers’ offense. She is a versatile scorer who can score both inside and outside, posing a significant challenge for the Iowa defense.
In addition to Young, Murray State has three other players averaging in double figures, highlighting their offensive depth. These secondary scoring options make it difficult for opponents to focus solely on Young, forcing defenses to account for multiple threats. The Hawkeyes will need to be disciplined and communicate effectively on defense to contain Murray State’s balanced attack.
The game will be played at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup. While technically a neutral site, the proximity to Oklahoma and the presence of potential local fans could create a lively atmosphere.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, at 12 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN, providing a national audience for this intriguing first-round contest. Streaming options will also be available on ESPN+.
Ultimately, this game represents a significant moment for both programs. For Iowa, it’s the beginning of a new era, a chance to prove they can continue to compete at a high level even without a generational talent like Caitlin Clark. For Murray State, it’s an opportunity to make a statement on the national stage and prove that their high-powered offense can translate to success in the NCAA Tournament.
Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair between these two teams. The Hawkeyes will need to find ways to contain Murray State’s prolific offense, while the Racers will need to contend with Iowa’s revamped offensive attack. The team that can execute its game plan more effectively and control the tempo of the game will likely emerge victorious and advance to the next round of the NCAA Tournament.
