The final four minutes of Iowa’s monumental Final Four win over UConn were nothing short of electrifying. With the game hanging in the balance, Iowa’s players displayed incredible poise, heart, and grit to pull off a historic victory that sent them to the National Championship game.

As the clock ticked down, both teams were locked in a battle of wills, with UConn’s formidable defense and explosive offense pushing Iowa to the brink. But it was Iowa’s star player, Caitlin Clark, who took over when it mattered most, showing why she is considered one of the best in the game.

Here’s a breakdown of those crucial final minutes:

Minute 4: Iowa Leads by 3

The tension was palpable as Iowa clung to a slim 3-point lead. UConn, known for its championship pedigree and clutch performances, wasn’t going to go down without a fight. The Huskies came out with intensity, trying to create an opening with their sharp shooting and tough defense. But Iowa’s defense held strong, preventing UConn from cutting into the lead.

3:30 Left: Clark Takes Over

With time winding down, Caitlin Clark asserted herself on both ends of the court. First, she drained a deep three-pointer from the top of the arc, extending Iowa’s lead to six. Clark’s confidence and ability to make shots in crucial moments were on full display. She was practically unstoppable, and it felt like the game was in her hands. UConn’s defense couldn’t keep up with Clark’s shooting range and court vision.

2:50 Left: UConn Strikes Back

UConn refused to back down, responding with a quick basket to cut the lead to four. Their star player, who had been quiet for much of the game, found a rhythm and hit a mid-range jumper. But Iowa was undeterred. The Hawkeyes continued to execute offensively, keeping the Huskies at arm’s length.

2:00 Left: Iowa’s Defense Shines

With the game tightening up, Iowa’s defense rose to the occasion. A critical steal by Iowa’s guard led to a fast-break opportunity, resulting in an easy layup to push the lead back to six points. UConn was forced to foul, trying to extend the game and get the ball back.

1:30 Left: Free Throws and Nerves

At the free-throw line, Iowa’s calmness under pressure became evident. Caitlin Clark hit two clutch free throws, extending Iowa’s lead to eight. The crowd at the arena erupted, sensing that the game was slipping away from UConn’s grasp. With just over a minute left, the Huskies had one final shot to claw their way back into the game.

Final Minute: Iowa Seals the Win

As UConn desperately scrambled to mount one last run, Iowa’s defense clamped down. A missed three-pointer from the Huskies with 40 seconds left sealed their fate. Iowa grabbed the rebound and took their time, with Clark setting up an effective offense. As the clock ticked down to zero, the Iowa players erupted in celebration. Their victory over UConn was complete, and they were headed to the National Championship game, a moment that will be remembered in Iowa basketball history for years to come.

Final Score: Iowa 75, UConn 67

This thrilling victory showed the resilience and determination of Iowa, led by Caitlin Clark’s transcendent play. The final four minutes were a microcosm of the entire game—a back-and-forth battle where Iowa’s defense, combined with Clark’s clutch scoring, ultimately proved to be the difference-maker. The Hawkeyes earned their spot in the Championship game, and basketball fans everywhere were left in awe of what they had just witnessed.