Lisa Bluder Delivers Disheartening Iowa Injury Update Ahead of LSU Faceoff

Lisa Bluder, the head coach of Iowa, expressed doubts about point guard Molly Davis‘s availability ahead of yesterday’s game against Colorado. This year, Davis, started in 27 of thirty games during the regular season averaging 6.1 points. She was observed stretching on the sidelines during practice, which made it seem doubtful that she was ready to play. Now, ahead of another fierce battle of the tournament, against LSU, Iowa could’ve benefitted from Caitlin Clark’s 93 assists twin but looks like coach Blunder came bearing the sad news.

Iowa coach Lisa Bluder updates on top-guard’s status

Bluder said, “Molly is doubtful for tomorrow.”  Her health is still questionable as Iowa advances through the NCAA tournament, having previously won the Big Ten tournament and the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament while receiving intense physical rehabilitation.

An update was shared by @ChadLeistikow on X captioned, “Bluder does not expect Molly Davis to return tomorrow.” 

Davis suffered the injury to his right knee during Iowa’s final regular-season game against Ohio State. She needed assistance getting off the court and was even using a wheelchair for Senior Day festivities, so it seemed at first that the injury was serious.

“I really thought she’d be back for the tournament; I really did,” said Bluder, who later brought up the prospect of Davis coming back in the postseason.

Meanwhile, the Iowa point guard is seeking intensive physical therapy to recover from her right knee injury. She didn’t take part in any drills, but the fact that she was standing and stretching on her own is a step in the right direction from when she used crutches.

Another guard, Sydney Affolter, took on Davis’ position and played admirably at the Big Ten Championships, earning a spot on the All-Tournament team. During Iowa’s three games in Minneapolis, she scored 41 points and pulled down 27 rebounds with 16 assists. After Selection Sunday on March 17, Coach Bluder stated Affolter would continue to play even if Davis was cleared to participate, adding to the fans anticipation of the return of the point guard.

Davis has had an enormous influence during her two seasons at Iowa after having three successful seasons at Central Michigan as the Chippewas’ primary scoring threat. She started the Final Four game the previous year as a backup but moved into a starting position with such ease that it improved the team’s performance this year.

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