Stunning Comeback by Iowa Women Extends Home Win Streak to 39

Incredible. Unbelievable. Stunning. Those words all fit what happened last night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena where the Iowa women's basketball team came roaring back in the final quarter, leaving Iowa State wondering what happened.

The Iowa women had won 38 in-a-row in Iowa City (second in the nation to Baylor with 57) heading into last night's match-up with in-state rival Iowa State. The Cyclones were 2-2, but both losses came to ranked opponents. This was going to be a test. Was it ever.

Iowa State led nearly the entire game. They didn't just lead, they seemed to have the game well in hand. The Cyclones led 26-20 after one quarter. 49 to 35 at the half. After three quarters, it was 73 to 56 Cyclones. The win streak was done it seemed. Not on your life.

The Iowa women came roaring back, outscoring Iowa State 26 to 7 in the final 10 minutes for a most unlikely 82-80 win. Freshman Caitlin Clark (front with arm in air in the photo below), a West Des Moines native, poured in 14 points in the final quarter, including four three-pointers. The reigning Big Ten Player of the Week and Big Ten Freshman of the Week scored 34 points to lead the Iowa women. Iowa's other leading scorers were center Monika Czinano with 16 and forward McKenna Warnock scored 14.

After the game, Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said, "The fourth quarter and dramatic finish was amazing. We only led for one minute, but at least we picked the right minute."

The Iowa women will try to extend their home winning streak to 40 on Tuesday, December 22 when they host Western Illinois. First things first, though. Saturday, Iowa travels to Michigan State.