Iowa powers through Michigan to advance to Big Ten Tournament Championship, in position for a three-peat

The Hawkeyes dominated in the paint as Clark dished 15 assists to move past the Wolverines 95-68 with eyes on a third-straight Big Ten Championship.
Iowa v Michigan
Iowa v Michigan / Adam Bettcher/GettyImages
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The Iowa Hawkeyes didn't start slow so much as the Michigan Wolverines started fast. But the efficiency of the Hawkeyes' offensive attack prevailed to send Iowa to the Big Ten Tournament finals.

Michigan sank its first seven three point field goals to put tremendous pressure on the Hawkeyes. As the game unfolded and the Hawkeyes pounded the paint, Michigan was worne away from the three-point success. The Wolverines finished 10-19 from three.

It was another difficult night for Iowa from three, but ultimately 52 points in the paint of a physical matchup was the difference Iowa needed to pull away in the second half.

Caitlin Clark was still a bit cold from three, 4-11, but her passing caused the Wolverines problems more than her scoring prowess. Clark had a double-double early in the second quarter, finishing with 28 points and 15 assists. The team finished with 30.

Now Iowa prepares to finish the job with a chance to three-peat Big Ten Tournament championships and potentially secure a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Nebraska awaits the Hawkeyes off of a 78-68 win over Maryland. Jaz Shelley led her team with 30 points and nine assists to secure the Huskers spot in the tourney championship.

Nebraska will be a tough opponenet from a defensive standpoint. The Huskers held the Terps to just 30% from three while under the basket Alexis Markowski, a 6-foot-3 junior center, grabbed 13 rebounds.

Iowa is the more talented team, but Nebraska may have some answers, especially if Clark continues her somewhat cold streak from deep.

Iowa and Nebraska will tip off the Big Ten Tournament Championship at noon on CBS from the Target Center in Minneapolis.

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