Five things we learned from Iowa basketball’s secret scrimmage

On Sunday in Omaha, Iowa basketball players participated in a covert scrimmage. Based on the information provided, we discovered the following five things.

The Iowa men’s basketball team competed against Wichita State this weekend in a secret scrimmage in Omaha.

IOWA CITY, Iowa– Iowa got exactly what they wanted on Sunday during the 122-49 win over Clarke University in the final exhibition. The Hawkeyes and Pride went back and forth through the first five minutes and were knotted up at 10. That’s when Iowa showcased why they were the national runner-up this past season.

Led by National Player of the Year Caitlin Clark, Iowa went on a 52-8 run to end the half. The Hawkeyes only recorded one turnover through the first 20 minutes of action while scoring 14 points off 10 Clarke turnovers. Iowa had a distinct size advantage and were patient, yet, fast-paced with their play. There were times where they’d turn down a good shot to create a create shot, which is what outstanding offenses do.

In the second half, Iowa’s defense would falter. In the third quarter, the Pride would score fifteen points and receive some solid looks. Iowa shut them down after the first 2:30, and they started to arrive at the hoop frequently.

The Hawkeyes welcome back a number of returning players and welcome back new ones as well as a wealth of experience. Exhibitions are an excellent approach to rotate lineups and provide a longer playing career for some of the younger players. It had been more than a year since Kylie Feuerbach made a three-point shot inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. She had an ACL tear last season, which kept her out of action. In her 19 minutes of play, backup post Sharon Goodman ended with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Star(s) of the Game: 

Hannah Stuelke: 

The Sixth Player of the Year showcased why she’ll be a popular breakout candidate in year two. The 6-foot-2 forward exploded from the opening tip. The skilled forward poured in 20 first-half points, but more importantly, she hit a three-pointer and made all three of her free throw attempts. Stuelke only hit one three-pointer last year and if that becomes more of her game, she’ll be even more difficult to contain.

 

Stuelke finished her night with a game-high 27 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Stuelke’s controlled recklessness is going to be a difficult cover for anybody in the country. The next step will be her consistency.

Caitlin Clark: 

I mean– who else would it be? She’ll be a popular pick as the season goes along. Clark is the reason that the Iowa offense goes. Everything runs through her and it really doesn’t matter who knows it. Clark trying to get her teammates involved early from the get-go, but also wanted to show Clarke that she could get to the rim any time she wanted to.

Clark utilized a variety of behind the back dribbles, spin moves and clever post-work to get her buckets early. Of course, she also wasn’t afraid to let it fly from the logo either. Clark finished the game 24 points, four rebounds and nine assists.

Molly Davis: 

In year two, Davis is looking a lot more comfortable in her role. She showcased her abilities early. Within the first couple of minutes, she converted a pair of free throws, forced a jump ball, found a sprinting Sydney Affolter for a layup, hit a contested three and hit a hesitation move to the basket to close out the first quarter.

Davis looked comfortable playing off the ball, but also had a better grasp of the offense. She only played 18 minutes and recorded nine points, four rebounds and four assists. Her pace of play was much more crisp than her first year as a Hawkeye.

Stat of the Game: 

The Hawkeyes only had one turnover in the first half. 10 of Iowa’s 12 players that played in the first half scored. They also went on a 52-8 run over the final 16:14 of the first half.

Up Next:

The Hawkeyes will officially begin their season. They will play host to Fairleigh Dickinson inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa enters the season ranked No. 3 and it will be their only light game before traveling to take on No. 8 Virginia Tech.