Caitlin Clark’s Historic Night Just a Few Hours Away – Iowa Hawkeyes vs Ohio State Buckeyes Match Preview, Injury Report, Starting Line Up and Prediction

Caitlin Clark has broken all the barriers of excellence this season. However, there is one last arrow left in her quiver to shoot. Iowa will welcome the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Sunday afternoon. The #2-seeded Ohio State has been one of the best teams this season, even beating the Hawkeyes in a tense game a few weeks ago. Clark is just 18 points away from surpassing Pete Maravich’s NCAA all-time scoring record and she will be looking forward to making history while getting her revenge.

In her previous game against Minnesota, she recorded another 30-point triple-double with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. She shot 60% from the field and led the team to a 108-60 blowout win. This season she has been smoothly averaging 32.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 8.7 assists, with a field goal percentage of 46.9%. But what are the lineups expected to look like on Sunday afternoon?

The Iowa Hawkeyes and Ohio State Buckeyes are set to go full-strength for this end-of-the-season battle

Geared up to take the reins against the Buckeyes, the #6 ranked Iowa is ready with its starting lineup including the star of the season and the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year Caitlin Clark, who will be leading the team with her offensive prowess. Next in the starting lineup is Iowa’s guard, Kate Martin. Known for her versatility and defensive prowess, her shooting and playmaking skills strengthen the team on the offensive end. This season she has been averaging 13 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 52.3% from the field.

Dynamic guard Molly Davis contributes to both the offense and defense. Her speed and agility make her a valuable asset in transition. She has been averaging 6.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 53.9%. Additionally, can’t forget to mention Iowa’s wildcard player, who has started walking in Clark’s footsteps, forward Hannah Stuelke. She is averaging 14 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 63.9% from the field.

Taking things to the other side, the #2 ranked Ohio State team did encounter some injuries this season. Notably, the Buckeyes recently clinched the Big Ten regular-season title by winning over the Michigan Wolverines, including an impressive 22-point performance from Jacy Sheldon in their final home game. The team has been unstoppable since the calendar turned to 2024.

The Buckeyes’ starting lineup includes the talented guard Jacy Sheldon who has played a crucial role on both ends of the floor. She has been averaging 18 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 51.3% from the floor. Next up will be guard Celeste Taylor, who has been averaging 10.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Followed by another guard, Taylor Theirry, whose scoring prowess is brimming at 11.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 62%.

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The frontcourt consists of Cotie McMahon, who is averaging 14.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, along with Rebeka Mikulasikova. Holding a levitating kind of vibe, this game is set to be a phenomenal affair in this season’s special.

The added significance this game will hold for Caitlin Clark

This matchup against Ohio State will be Clark’s last home game before she enters the 2024 WNBA Draft. As a result, her fans at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena will be witnessing her basketball brilliance for one last time in the regular season.

Adding a zing to the event, ESPN’s College Gameday will be airing live from the Arena with Caitlin Clark in the spotlight as she aims to make history. With the elevating anticipation around Clark’s record-breaking potential, there is a huge possibility that we could witness another viewership record being broken in this game.

Caitlin Clark’s journey has been remarkable as her recent performance led her to surpass Lynette Woodward and become the highest scorer in major women’s college basketball history. Now, this game against Ohio State presents an opportunity for her to etch her name in the scrolls of college basketball.