With hook shot after hook shot, Stuelke whetted the nylon, displaying her excellent play as Clark’s battery mate throughout the pick-and-roll. Together with a controversial call by the referee, her performance was crucial to Iowa’s success in making it to the national championship game for the second straight year.

Here’s a closer look at Stuelke’s incredible display, which will definitely live on in Iowans’ tournament memories.

Stats of Hannah Stuelke against UConn

Stuelke scored 23 points in the end on 9 of his 12 shots that were effective. She contributed three rebounds, one assist, and one block, reserving the most of her efforts for the offensive zone.

Lisa Bluder’s team was in dire need of this kind of offer, particularly after Clark struggled in the first two frames due to UConn’s strategy. Stuelke’s baskets were often the same; she would grab the ball on the block, dribble for one or two possessions at most, and then dish out an easy or somewhat difficult lay-in in the direction of the backboard. It dropped most of the time.

It was especially evident that Stuelke was present on the pick-and-roll. Several times she slalomed to the cup, catching Clark’s beautiful doves. Clark ended the game with a team-high seven assists.

Bluder made sure her standout sophomore participated in the competition frequently. For her career, Stuelke is a very right-handed player at this moment. When she settles down, though, it’s difficult to stop her.

Excellent material to counter what the defense is providing

Hannah Stuelke’s picture had a quick rip to the basket and a second consecutive flash.cXVXg7I3Dx on Twitter

— April 6, 2024, Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler)

Stuelke simply continued whittling away as the game went on and UConn’s defense started to buckle ever so slightly beneath Clark’s weight. Her preferred spot was just feet away from the basket, where she could make a layup or a push shot with ease.

This evening, Hannah Stuelke has been crucial pic.twitter.com/bcqknvFLxK

— April 6, 2024, Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler)

Every headline features Clark’s shooting. But she has unmatched control, penetration, and finishing power. The Hawkeyes’ auxiliary players can find space after the defense crumbles during her drives. On Friday, Stuelke was the big winner.

I’ll be curious to see how they continue to handle this, but Iowa has begun to somewhat target Ashlynn Shade defensively.

To counterbalance, use some of the switches. Caitlin is aware that, after taking a step on Shade, she will have to make the huge guy step up.

Simple basket image: pic.twitter.com/V5sFRwYwit

— April 6, 2024, Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler)

For Stuelke, it all added up to a fantastic day at work. The Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year winner exceeded her scoring average of 13.8 points per game on Friday night while maintaining her layup-centric concentration. She reaffirmed her position as Iowa’s second-most crucial player in the process. Clark has only failed to lead Iowa in scoring in two games this season. In both instances, Stuelke scored a game-high 47 points, setting a record for the most points scored in the contest. That occurred on February 8 against Penn State and again on Friday night.

Put it down to a dramatic flair. Call it fortuitous events. Whatever your point of view, Stuelke was impressive against the Huskies. She will live forever on the courts that dot the Des Moines skyline because of that.