Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers may be the most popular faces of their teams, but when it comes to it, other players also stand up and get the job done. Something similar was displayed by Clark’s worst nightmare, UConns’s Nika Muhl, and the fifth-year senior of the Hawkeyes Kate Martin. Despite being physically hurt, the two continued to bring their team up tonight. The fans quickly took note of these impressive players while Clark and Bueckers struggled on the court.
In a game that sided towards the Hawkeyes in the latter half of the event was initially an oyster for both Muhl and Martin. Fans paralleled Nika Muhl to NBA legends as she scored 6 points with two deep shots in the first quarter. On the other hand, Kate Martin added 3 points, 6 defensive rebounds, and 1 steal in the first 20 minutes. At this point, the top scorer Caitlin Clark had only contributed 4 points for the team. Paige Bueckers too only added 5 points by the end of second half.
Seemingly, the two underdogs who brought out their top games attracted the fans when their leaders were out of forms.
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Fans bring Martin and Nika Muhl over Caitlin Clark and Bueckers
A basketball fan commended Nika Muhl for taking a lesson from Hailey Van Lith’s post-game embarrassment. He supported the player as she took advantage of every opportunity to grab some buckets to her name. He also applauded Martin for her ability to show up and prove her dominance.
Nika Muhl & Kate Martin gone to the locker room in back-to-back possessions. 2 players who are the heart & soul of their respective teams
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) April 6, 2024
Aaliyah Edwards fell on Nika Muhl’s lower leg, injuring her. Nevertheless, she was on the floor taking one for the team. While Kate Martin is still on the bench with a bleeding nose, she is not going to throw the towel as easily either. Women’s Hoops Network tweeted the updates.
Nika Muhl is back on the court, Kate Martin looks like she will be okay to play shortly
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) April 6, 2024
The sight of Nika Muhl going into the washroom shattered a Husky’s heart. She was solely responsible to keep Clark locked in for the first twenty minutes of the game. However, the fan was more than excited to see her return shortly.
I just Nika Muhl came back in. Good! #UCONNvsIOWA #FinalFour https://t.co/iw1x7KOCYK
— ⚜ WHO DAT Cool Breesy ⚜ (@Steve2duhO) April 6, 2024
Another UConn fan tweeted his reaction and what everyone on the Huskies’ side would be thinking when Nika left. Seems like Robert Downey Jr. is taking a seat in this one.
Nika Muhl going to the locker room pic.twitter.com/sdxVwQq5fB
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) April 6, 2024
A follower was simply dumbfounded at Muhl and Martin’s performance as Clark and Bueckers took a back seat.
Nika Muhl and Kate Martin are warriors
— Ethan Fuller (@ethman43) April 6, 2024
Another fan reacted in surprise and awe as ‘The Glue’ of the Hawkeyes and senior of the Huskies both returned to give a show of a lifetime to everyone in the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
Nika Muhl and Kate Martin both return
— Joey Donia – KWQC (@JoeyDonia) April 6, 2024
A fan could not help but put their emotions into words as they tweeted a heart-breaking fact check. Certainly, her absence was the major factor why Caitlin Clark finally broke out her wings and started shooting her best shots.
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Nika Muhl getting hurt mighta just decided the game💔
— tigallo (@soulqrn) April 6, 2024
Nika Muhl had been very essential tonight as she guarded Caitlin Clark single-handedly, destroying her offense, defense, and playmaking simultaneously. On the other hand, Kate Martin with her leadership qualities, rebounding prowess, and scoring abilities also took everyone’s eyes.
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On the other hand, the faces of their respective teams were fighting hard but had a tough team halting their way at every step. Nevertheless, it is good to see that Caitlin Clark and Bueckers both have help when they need one. It will be interesting to see who turns out to be the better side kick on this major clash. What do you think about Nika Muhl and Kate Martin?
Read More- “Peak Dad Move”: Caitlin Clark’s Dad ‘Preparing’ for Final 4 Leaves Fans in Awe