HOUSTON — Two young athletes gave us an epic duel to remember in the dramatic UConn-Iowa semifinal showdown — Aaliyah Edwards and Hannah Stuelke. They were fantastic in what will become one of the most memorable NCAA Women’s Championship semifinal games. Beyond their combine 40 points and 11 rebounds, they wore the capes for UConn and Iowa last night, more so than Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers.
We’re not focusing on how Gabbie Marshall sold it! Kudos to her, by the way. Whether we agree or not, the ref’s call against Aaliyah Edwards at that stage of that heavyweight bout was indeed questionable…but not the sole reason UConn fell to Iowa.
I get it. As a New Orleanian who has covered the New Orleans Saints for years, the “NOLA NO CALL” will serve as the pinnacle of poor officiating… ever. There must be a point in a game where the human element doesn’t affect the outcomes and mentally scar coaches, players, and fans for years to come.
Yet, that’s how legendary moments are cemented in our minds. Growing up, for me, it would be the barbershop, schoolyard, and sidewalk conversations about “what had happened” that we still talk about to this day. And so will this one.
It wasn’t Caitlin Clark’s resilience but Hannah Stuelke’s brilliance that propelled the Hawkeyes into Sunday’s title game against South Carolina. The power forward muscled her way to scoring 23 points, mostly the hard way, against Edwards. She had a monstrous game — she won the contest for Iowa. Despite her herculean effort, this morning’s headlines feature Caitlin Clark and Iowa, with a mild sprinkling of Stuelke.
Losing sucks. This one will stick with Aaliyah Edwards, who willed her team back into contention that night. The senior forward scored 17 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished three assists in the loss. Coach Geno Auriemma should’ve called a pick-and-roll for Edwards to win the game. She thought her screen was “clean,” Paige Bueckers said. “Players decide the game.” In the long run, the one play didn’t ultimately affect the outcome or their futures.
Edwards will enter the WNBA Draft on Apr. 15 and become a probable Top 10 pick.
It was an monumental clash. One foe had to lose. Unfortunately for the Huskies faithful, it was UConn’s time.
There can only be one. On Sunday afternoon, a new NCAA Women’s Championship team will be crowned in Cleveland. Will it be the Iowa or Dawn Staley’s South Carolina squad joyous at the end?
We shall see.
