‘It should be heated’: Sparks fly between Caitlin Clark, Indiana women’s basketball
BLOOMINGTON — Iowa senior guard Caitlin Clark wouldn’t say what prompted her heated exchange with Indiana women’s basketball’s assistant coaches in the second quarter of Thursday night’s game.
Sydney Parrish fouled Clark right in front of IU’s bench with 3:01 left in the half. Clark walked towards the end of the bench where the Hoosiers assistants were seated and shouted something.
Iowa guard Gabbie Marshall ran over before Clark could say anything else. The No. 16 Hoosiers (22-4; 13-3 Big Ten) went on to upend No. 4 Iowa (23-4; 12-3) in a 86-69 win at Assembly Hall.
“Basketball is competitive,” Clark said, of the moment. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Indiana women’s basketball rivalry against Iowa is the real deal
It was one of a series of heated exchanges between a pair of teams that have developed a true rivalry in recent years. Sara Scalia drew a technical foul in the final moments and Mackenzie Holmes was as demonstrative as she’s been all season.
Holmes made a point of staring down Clark and Hannah Stuelke when she blocked their shots.
Indiana’s win on Thursday night likely cost Iowa a shot at the Big Ten regular season title and the game will have a significant impact on the seeding for the NCAA tournament in one month’s time.
Clark welcomed the fiery performances from both teams.
“That’s exactly how it should be, that’s exactly what women’s basketball should be,” Clark said. “It should be heated, it should be that way. It’s just because you care so much and people are so passionate about winning. That’s what makes it so fun.”
Indiana women’s basketball has gone toe-to-toe with Caitlin Clark
Iowa has a 52-18 conference record during Clark’s career and four of those losses are against Indiana, but whatever bad blood has developed between the teams doesn’t extend past the court.
Clark was extremely complimentary of Indiana’s program and the atmosphere at Assembly Hall after the game.
“I think IU does a tremendous job, the coaches do a tremendous job,” Clark said. “Teri said some very nice things to me after the game and I have nothing but respect for their program and what she’s been able to do and players she’s been able to develop. I’ve played against a lot of really good IU players. All the respect in the world for them.”
The teams could easily see each other one more time this season with the Big Ten tournament looming or a possible showdown in the NCAA tournament.
