When you are mentioned in the same breath as the GOAT Caitlin Clark, you are doing something right.
The Iowa Hawkeyes (15-2, 6-0 Big Ten) welcomed the Oregon Ducks (14-5, 2-4 Big Ten) to Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Thursday for a Big Ten conference matchup.
The Hawkeyes entered the game on a four-game winning streak after getting crushed by UConn in late December, and could not be slowed down by Oregon.
Even though Oregon gave Iowa a late scare, Iowa's lead was never really in jeopardy, thanks to freshman sensation Addie Deal.
Deal's 18 points is the most by a freshman in Big Ten play since CC
Deal could not miss in Thursday's 74-66 victory over Oregon, and she gave the Hawkeyes a big spark off the bench.
Deal poured in 18 points in 20 minutes off the bench, including knocking down all four of her three-point attempts.
Her previous career-high for points was 17, which came in a win over Western Illinois last November, and her new career-high was significant for more than one reason.
Deal's 18 points were tied for the team lead with Hannah Stuelke, and are the most points by a freshman in a Big Ten game since Caitlin Clark in 2021.
Clark poured in a massive 39 points in a 88-81 Iowa win over Nebraska on February 11, 2021.
When Deal gets the minutes, she makes the most of them and is one of the few three-level scorers the Hawkeyes have on the roster.
The squad will need Deal to keep providing a spark off the bench, especially during their next game against No. 15 Michigan State at home this weekend.