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Reuters
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Matthew Driscoll resigns at North Florida, joins K-State staff
May 23 - Matthew Driscoll resigned after 16 seasons as the head coach at North Florida to accept an associate position on Jerome Tang's staff at Kansas State. Driscoll, 60, and Tang previously worked together at Baylor. The former left that job to become the head coach of the Ospreys in 2009. "Coach Driscoll is a proven program builder and an exceptional teacher of the game. His ability to develop players and implement high-level offensive systems is second to none," Tang said. "At North Florida, he not only became the winningest coach in ASUN history but also built one of the most dynamic and efficient offenses in the country, consistently ranking among national leaders in 3-point shooting and scoring. His basketball IQ and passion for teaching will bring tremendous value to our program and elevate our team on every level." Driscoll departs North Florida as the winningest head coach in the program's history, posting a 248-264 overall record and 144-118 mark in Atlantic Sun conference play. A three-time Atlantic Sun Conference Coach of the Year selection in 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2019-20, Driscoll led the program to four conference championships (three regular season, one tournament) and a berth in the 2015 NCAA Tournament. "I know some will wonder why I would leave being a head coach to become an assistant coach, but this was a no-brainer in every aspect for us," Driscoll said. "We all know that work brings profit and if you have studied Coach Tang and his program that's what they do. My responsibility will be to continue to nurture, encourage, and expound upon this foundation with amazing energy, passion, and a servant's mentality that will resonate throughout the incredible community of Manhappiness! Go Cats!" North Florida announced that longtime assistant coach Bobby Kennen will serve as the interim coach for the 2025-26 season. "For the past 16 years, he has been a vital part of the program's success, and I have every confidence in his ability to lead us forward," athletic director Nick Morrow said. "I fully expect Coach Kennen to continue to build a program that thrives both academically and competitively, while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our student-athletes and energizing the fan base." --Field Level Media
CBS News
22-03-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
JuJu Watkins scores 22 and top-seeded USC routs UNCG 71-25 in 1st round
JuJu Watkins scored 22 points and top-seeded Southern California led all the way in routing 16th-seeded UNC Greensboro 71-25 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday. The Trojans (29-3) advanced to the second round to play either eighth-seeded California or ninth-seeded Mississippi State on Monday at Galen Center. Watkins appeared to hurt her left hand early in the second quarter, occasionally shaking out her fingers. Then in the third, the star sophomore came up limping on her left leg and winced. She hit a 3-pointer and sat for the final 3:39 before returning briefly in the fourth. The Spartans came out confidently, holding the Trojans to 12 points in the first quarter after missing their first five shots and trailing 8-0. UNCG closed within two early in the second quarter before USC blew the game open. The Trojans outscored the Spartans 16-3 while limiting them to three free throws. The Trojans' pressure defense forced eight turnovers and the Spartans were 0 of 11 from the field and 0 of 5 from 3-point range. USC led 28-11 at halftime. UCONN 103, ARKANSAS STATE 34 STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Azzi Fudd had 21 of her 27 points in the first half as second-seeded UConn rolled to a win over Arkansas State. Freshman Sarah Strong added 20 points and 12 rebounds, five assists and five blocks in her NCAA Tournament debut. Most of those came in the first half when UConn jumped out to a 66-16 advantage at the half, playing nearly flawless basketball. The Huskies had runs of 22-0, 12-0 and 13-0 in the first half as UConn won its 31st consecutive first-round game. UConn (32-3) scored 34 points in the first quarter, making all 11 of its two-point shots. Many of those were layups coming off the press. Arkansas State (21-11), which likes to apply pressure itself, had no answer for the Huskies. Crislyn Rose led the Red Wolves with seven points. The team shot 17% from the field (12-for-70), including going 7-for-40 from behind the arc. OKALHOMA 81, FLORIDA GULF COAST 58 NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Raegan Beers had 25 points and 18 rebounds, and No. 3 seed Oklahoma dominated the fourth quarter to beat 14th-seeded Florida Gulf Coast. The Sooners led 55-48 entering the fourth, then outscored the Eagles 26-10 in the final period. Beers, a 6-foot-4 center, towered over a team with no starter taller than 5-9. She helped the Sooners outrebound the Eagles 72-35. Skylar Vann scored 24 points and Payton Verhulst added 13 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Sooners (26-7). Emani Jefferson, the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year who had 22 points and 12 rebounds against the Sooners last year, had 12 points and eight rebounds in the rematch while spending much of the day in foul trouble. She made 3 of 11 field goals. Dolly Cairns scored 15 points for the Eagles (30-4), who had won 23 straight. Florida Gulf Coast shot 23.6% from the field and made 8 of 41 3-pointers (19.5%). SOUTH DAKOTA STATE 74, OKLAHOMA STATE 68 STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Madison Mathiowetz scored all 15 of her points in the second half as 10th-seeded South Dakota State erased a double-digit deficit to top No. 7 seed Oklahoma State. Brooklyn Meyer had 19 points and eight rebounds, Paige Meyer had 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists and Haleigh Timmer added 11 points for South Dakota State (30-3). Stailee Heard had 20 points and Anna Gret Asi had 16 points for Oklahoma State (25-7). Oklahoma State took its first double-digit lead on a basket by Alexia Smith with 7:38 left in the third quarter. Paige Meyer scored nine points as the Jackrabbits scored 17 of the next 24 points. A three-point play by Meyer gave South Dakota State the 44-43 lead with 2:57 left in the quarter. South Dakota State took a two-point advantage into the fourth quarter on a driving layup by Mathiowetz to beat the third-quarter buzzer. IOWA 92, MURRAY STATE 57 NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Freshman Ava Heiden scored a career-high 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds, and sixth-seeded Iowa rolled past No. 11 seed Murray State. Lucy Olsen had 12 points and a career-high 12 assists for the Hawkeyes (23-10). They scored a season high in points in the first tournament win for first-year Iowa coach Jan Jensen, a longtime assistant who was promoted after Lisa Bluder retired. Murray State's Katelyn Young, who averaged 22.2 points heading into the NCAA Tournament, left the game early in the third quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. She finished with six points and seven rebounds in 20 minutes. Halli Poock scored 15 points and Ava Learn added eight points and 10 rebounds before fouling out for Murray State (25-8). The Racers, who entered the game averaging a nation-leading 87.8 points per game, shot just 30.6% from the field and posted their lowest point total of the season. NC STATE 75, VERMONT 55 RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) —Zoe Brooks scored 19 points and N.C. State finally took control in the second half to beat Vermont. Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James added 15 points apiece for the second-seeded Wolfpack, who reached the Final Four last year. Keira Hanson scored 21 points off the bench, Catherine Gilwee had 13 and Nikola Priede added 11 for No. 15 seed Vermont (21-13). Vermont pulled ahead 27-24 midway through the second quarter on Hanson's 3-pointer. The Wolfpack scored the last six points of the half for a 35-33 edge. The Wolfpack saved their best stretch for late in the game, outscoring Vermont 23-9 in the fourth quarter. ALABAMA 81, GREENBAY 67 COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Aaliyah Nye scored 23 points and Zaay Green added 22 to lead fifth-seeded Alabama to a victory over 12th-seeded Green Bay. The Crimson Tide (24-8) ended Green Bay's 22-game winning streak and now advances to the second round to face either Maryland or Norfolk State on Monday. Maddy Schreiber scored 14 points for the Phoenix (29-6). Green Bay kept the game close through most of the first half, but the Horizon League champion allowed six straight points to end the second quarter and trailed 38-29. The Crimson Tide — who earned their highest seed since 1999 — now have a chance to achieve another March Madness breakthrough. They haven't made the Sweet 16 since 1998. Alabama pushed its lead to 13 in the third quarter. The margin was down to five early in the fourth, but Nye connected from 3-point range to help repel that Green Bay push. WEST VIRGINIA 78, COLUMBIA 59 CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — JJ Quinerly scored 27 points, Jordan Harrison matched a career-high with 23 and sixth-seeded West Virginia led wire-to-wire in a victory over 11th-seeded Columbia. Quinerly also had seven of the Mountaineers' 17 steals. The Mountaineers (25-7) advance to face the winner of No. 3 North Carolina and No. 14 Oregon State on Monday. West Virginia will be looking for its first Sweet 16 appearance since 1992. West Virginia's full-court press was a constant source of frustration for Columbia, which was coming off its first tournament win in program history. The Lions committed 11 turnovers in the first quarter, more than they had in all of Thursday's First Four win over Washington, and 25 overall. Columbia (24-7) was led by Cecelia Collins' 16 points. Riley Weiss scored 14, and Kitty Henderson contributed 13 points and nine rebounds. UCONN 103, ARKANSAS STATE 34 STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Azzi Fudd had 21 of her 27 points in the first half as second-seeded UConn rolled to a win over Arkansas State. Freshman Sarah Strong added 20 points and 12 rebounds, five assists and five blocks in her NCAA Tournament debut. Most of those came in the first half when UConn jumped out to a 66-16 advantage at the half, playing nearly flawless basketball. The Huskies had runs of 22-0, 12-0 and 13-0 in the first half as UConn won its 31st consecutive first-round game. UConn (32-3) scored 34 points in the first quarter, making all 11 of its two-point shots. Many of those were layups coming off the press. Arkansas State (21-11), which likes to apply pressure itself, had no answer for the Huskies. Crislyn Rose led the Red Wolves with seven points. The team shot 17% from the field (12-for-70), including going 7-for-40 from behind the arc. OKALHOMA 81, FLORIDA GULF COAST 58 NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Raegan Beers had 25 points and 18 rebounds, and No. 3 seed Oklahoma dominated the fourth quarter to beat 14th-seeded Florida Gulf Coast. The Sooners led 55-48 entering the fourth, then outscored the Eagles 26-10 in the final period. Beers, a 6-foot-4 center, towered over a team with no starter taller than 5-9. She helped the Sooners outrebound the Eagles 72-35. Skylar Vann scored 24 points and Payton Verhulst added 13 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Sooners (26-7). Emani Jefferson, the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year who had 22 points and 12 rebounds against the Sooners last year, had 12 points and eight rebounds in the rematch while spending much of the day in foul trouble. She made 3 of 11 field goals. Dolly Cairns scored 15 points for the Eagles (30-4), who had won 23 straight. Florida Gulf Coast shot 23.6% from the field and made 8 of 41 3-pointers (19.5%).
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
JuJu Watkins scores 22 and top-seeded USC routs UNCG 71-25 in 1st round
LOS ANGELES (AP) — JuJu Watkins scored 22 points and top-seeded Southern California led all the way in routing 16th-seeded UNC Greensboro 71-25 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday. The Trojans (29-3) advanced to the second round to play either eighth-seeded California or ninth-seeded Mississippi State on Monday at Galen Center. Watkins appeared to hurt her left hand early in the second quarter, occasionally shaking out her fingers. Then in the third, the star sophomore came up limping on her left leg and winced. She hit a 3-pointer and sat for the final 3:39 before returning briefly in the fourth. The Spartans came out confidently, holding the Trojans to 12 points in the first quarter after missing their first five shots and trailing 8-0. UNCG closed within two early in the second quarter before USC blew the game open. The Trojans outscored the Spartans 16-3 while limiting them to three free throws. The Trojans' pressure defense forced eight turnovers and the Spartans were 0 of 11 from the field and 0 of 5 from 3-point range. USC led 28-11 at halftime. UCONN 103, ARKANSAS STATE 34 STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Azzi Fudd had 21 of her 27 points in the first half as second-seeded UConn rolled to a win over Arkansas State. Freshman Sarah Strong added 20 points and 12 rebounds, five assists and five blocks in her NCAA Tournament debut. Most of those came in the first half when UConn jumped out to a 66-16 advantage at the half, playing nearly flawless basketball. The Huskies had runs of 22-0, 12-0 and 13-0 in the first half as UConn won its 31st consecutive first-round game. UConn (32-3) scored 34 points in the first quarter, making all 11 of its two-point shots. Many of those were layups coming off the press. Arkansas State (21-11), which likes to apply pressure itself, had no answer for the Huskies. Crislyn Rose led the Red Wolves with seven points. The team shot 17% from the field (12-for-70), including going 7-for-40 from behind the arc. OKALHOMA 81, FLORIDA GULF COAST 58 NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Raegan Beers had 25 points and 18 rebounds, and No. 3 seed Oklahoma dominated the fourth quarter to beat 14th-seeded Florida Gulf Coast. The Sooners led 55-48 entering the fourth, then outscored the Eagles 26-10 in the final period. Beers, a 6-foot-4 center, towered over a team with no starter taller than 5-9. She helped the Sooners outrebound the Eagles 72-35. Skylar Vann scored 24 points and Payton Verhulst added 13 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Sooners (26-7). Emani Jefferson, the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year who had 22 points and 12 rebounds against the Sooners last year, had 12 points and eight rebounds in the rematch while spending much of the day in foul trouble. She made 3 of 11 field goals. Dolly Cairns scored 15 points for the Eagles (30-4), who had won 23 straight. Florida Gulf Coast shot 23.6% from the field and made 8 of 41 3-pointers (19.5%). SOUTH DAKOTA STATE 74, OKLAHOMA STATE 68 STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Madison Mathiowetz scored all 15 of her points in the second half as 10th-seeded South Dakota State erased a double-digit deficit to top No. 7 seed Oklahoma State. Brooklyn Meyer had 19 points and eight rebounds, Paige Meyer had 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists and Haleigh Timmer added 11 points for South Dakota State (30-3). Stailee Heard had 20 points and Anna Gret Asi had 16 points for Oklahoma State (25-7). Oklahoma State took its first double-digit lead on a basket by Alexia Smith with 7:38 left in the third quarter. Paige Meyer scored nine points as the Jackrabbits scored 17 of the next 24 points. A three-point play by Meyer gave South Dakota State the 44-43 lead with 2:57 left in the quarter. South Dakota State took a two-point advantage into the fourth quarter on a driving layup by Mathiowetz to beat the third-quarter buzzer. SPOKANE REGIONAL 1 IOWA 92, MURRAY STATE 57 NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Freshman Ava Heiden scored a career-high 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds, and sixth-seeded Iowa rolled past No. 11 seed Murray State. Lucy Olsen had 12 points and a career-high 12 assists for the Hawkeyes (23-10). They scored a season high in points in the first tournament win for first-year Iowa coach Jan Jensen, a longtime assistant who was promoted after Lisa Bluder retired. Murray State's Katelyn Young, who averaged 22.2 points heading into the NCAA Tournament, left the game early in the third quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. She finished with six points and seven rebounds in 20 minutes. Halli Poock scored 15 points and Ava Learn added eight points and 10 rebounds before fouling out for Murray State (25-8). The Racers, who entered the game averaging a nation-leading 87.8 points per game, shot just 30.6% from the field and posted their lowest point total of the season. NC STATE 75, VERMONT 55 RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) —Zoe Brooks scored 19 points and N.C. State finally took control in the second half to beat Vermont. Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James added 15 points apiece for the second-seeded Wolfpack, who reached the Final Four last year. Keira Hanson scored 21 points off the bench, Catherine Gilwee had 13 and Nikola Priede added 11 for No. 15 seed Vermont (21-13). Vermont pulled ahead 27-24 midway through the second quarter on Hanson's 3-pointer. The Wolfpack scored the last six points of the half for a 35-33 edge. The Wolfpack saved their best stretch for late in the game, outscoring Vermont 23-9 in the fourth quarter. BIRMINGHAM REGIONAL 2 ALABAMA 81, GREENBAY 67 COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Aaliyah Nye scored 23 points and Zaay Green added 22 to lead fifth-seeded Alabama to a victory over 12th-seeded Green Bay. The Crimson Tide (24-8) ended Green Bay's 22-game winning streak and now advances to the second round to face either Maryland or Norfolk State on Monday. Maddy Schreiber scored 14 points for the Phoenix (29-6). Green Bay kept the game close through most of the first half, but the Horizon League champion allowed six straight points to end the second quarter and trailed 38-29. The Crimson Tide — who earned their highest seed since 1999 — now have a chance to achieve another March Madness breakthrough. They haven't made the Sweet 16 since 1998. Alabama pushed its lead to 13 in the third quarter. The margin was down to five early in the fourth, but Nye connected from 3-point range to help repel that Green Bay push. WEST VIRGINIA 78, COLUMBIA 59 CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — JJ Quinerly scored 27 points, Jordan Harrison matched a career-high with 23 and sixth-seeded West Virginia led wire-to-wire in a victory over 11th-seeded Columbia. Quinerly also had seven of the Mountaineers' 17 steals. The Mountaineers (25-7) advance to face the winner of No. 3 North Carolina and No. 14 Oregon State on Monday. West Virginia will be looking for its first Sweet 16 appearance since 1992. West Virginia's full-court press was a constant source of frustration for Columbia, which was coming off its first tournament win in program history. The Lions committed 11 turnovers in the first quarter, more than they had in all of Thursday's First Four win over Washington, and 25 overall. Columbia (24-7) was led by Cecelia Collins' 16 points. Riley Weiss scored 14, and Kitty Henderson contributed 13 points and nine rebounds. SPOKANE REGIONAL 4 UCONN 103, ARKANSAS STATE 34 STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Azzi Fudd had 21 of her 27 points in the first half as second-seeded UConn rolled to a win over Arkansas State. Freshman Sarah Strong added 20 points and 12 rebounds, five assists and five blocks in her NCAA Tournament debut. Most of those came in the first half when UConn jumped out to a 66-16 advantage at the half, playing nearly flawless basketball. The Huskies had runs of 22-0, 12-0 and 13-0 in the first half as UConn won its 31st consecutive first-round game. UConn (32-3) scored 34 points in the first quarter, making all 11 of its two-point shots. Many of those were layups coming off the press. Arkansas State (21-11), which likes to apply pressure itself, had no answer for the Huskies. Crislyn Rose led the Red Wolves with seven points. The team shot 17% from the field (12-for-70), including going 7-for-40 from behind the arc. OKALHOMA 81, FLORIDA GULF COAST 58 NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Raegan Beers had 25 points and 18 rebounds, and No. 3 seed Oklahoma dominated the fourth quarter to beat 14th-seeded Florida Gulf Coast. The Sooners led 55-48 entering the fourth, then outscored the Eagles 26-10 in the final period. Beers, a 6-foot-4 center, towered over a team with no starter taller than 5-9. She helped the Sooners outrebound the Eagles 72-35. Skylar Vann scored 24 points and Payton Verhulst added 13 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Sooners (26-7). Emani Jefferson, the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year who had 22 points and 12 rebounds against the Sooners last year, had 12 points and eight rebounds in the rematch while spending much of the day in foul trouble. She made 3 of 11 field goals. Dolly Cairns scored 15 points for the Eagles (30-4), who had won 23 straight. Florida Gulf Coast shot 23.6% from the field and made 8 of 41 3-pointers (19.5%). _____ AP March Madness bracket: and coverage:
Associated Press
22-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Raegan Beers has 25 points, 18 rebounds to lead Oklahoma past FGCU 81-58 in March Madness
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Raegan Beers had 25 points and 18 rebounds, and No. 3 seed Oklahoma dominated the fourth quarter to beat 14th-seeded Florida Gulf Coast 81-58 in the first round of the women's NCAA Tournament on Saturday. The Sooners led 55-48 entering the fourth, then outscored the Eagles 26-10 in the final period. Beers, a 6-foot-4 center, towered over a team with no starter taller than 5-9. She helped the Sooners outrebound the Eagles 72-35. Skylar Vann scored 24 points and Payton Verhulst added 13 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Sooners (26-7). Oklahoma advanced to play No. 6 seed Iowa — Sooners coach Jennie Baranczyk's alma mater — on Monday for a spot in the Sweet 16. Oklahoma defeated Florida Gulf Coast 73-70 in the first round of last year's tournament. Emani Jefferson, the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year who had 22 points and 12 rebounds against the Sooners last year, had 12 points and eight rebounds in the rematch while spending much of the day in foul trouble. She made 3 of 11 field goals. Dolly Cairns scored 15 points for the Eagles (30-4), who had won 23 straight. Florida Gulf Coast shot 23.6% from the field and made 8 of 41 3-pointers (19.5%).
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jan Jensen leads Iowa into NCAA Tournament as head coach after 24 years as a Hawkeyes assistant
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Jan Jensen teared up when she reflected on the moment. Iowa's head coach was an assistant for 24 years at the school before getting promoted ahead of this season. She enjoyed being assistant head coach for Lisa Bluder, though she acknowledged that she has been questioned over the years for staying and not taking other opportunities. Jensen held out and got her dream job when Bluder retired. Now, she has led the Hawkeyes to the NCAA Tournament. Third-seeded Iowa will play No. 14 Murray State on Saturday. She struggled to find the words at first when she thought about her journey. 'I don't even know why I'm choked up,' she said. 'I think that tells you all you need to know, maybe.' Jensen, 56, spoke passionately about the challenge of keeping the Hawkeyes winning. Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin are now in the WNBA after leading Iowa to the national title game the past two seasons. 'I'm just a really thankful coach that got a shot later in life,' she said. 'And we're having a blast. And I hope we get to have a blast for at least another game and get another shot at the next game.' Tourney rematch In the late game Saturday, No. 3 seed Oklahoma will host No. 14 Florida Gulf Coast in a rematch of what was nearly one of the biggest upsets of last year's tournament. The fifth-seeded Sooners barely held on for a 73-70 win over the 12th-seeded Eagles in Bloomington, Indiana last year. FGCU led 35-33 at halftime. The biggest difference for the Sooners is that 6-foot-4 Raegan Beers, who led Oregon State to the Elite Eight last season, has transferred in and been dominant. She could pose a problem for the undersized Eagles, FGCU still has its star. Emani Jefferson, the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year, had 22 points and 12 rebounds against the Sooners in last year's game. Style contrast Florida Gulf Coast, which is on a 23-game win streak, allows just 53.2 points per game — eighth-best nationally. Oklahoma, which has won nine of 10, ranks fourth in scoring with 85.2 points per contest. 'I think this will be a fun matchup, seeing as they're a really good defensive team, and I think we're a really good offensive team," Oklahoma's Payton Verhulst said. Beers said the Eagles do it with energy. 'From what I've seen and what we've worked on this week especially, they're relentless,' Beers said. 'They're a relentless team. They're constantly coming after you. They're really, really scrappy.' Traveling fans Oklahoma coach Jennie Baranczyk knows full well how serious Iowa's fanbase is. She's from Iowa and played for the Hawkeyes. Even without Clark, they averaged nearly 15,000 for home games this season. Now, she's excited for those fans to come down and support women's basketball. Iowa has the early game on Saturday, so many of their fans likely will stay for the second game. 'Iowa has done a great job,' Baranczyk said. 'Even after graduating a superstar in Caitlin Clark, they're still selling out. I'm proud of that, being from there. And at the same time, I know that that's also going to challenge our fans to be able to show up as well. So I'm excited to be able to see just our sport on a national level and be highlighted here in the Lloyd Noble Center tomorrow, whether it's the 11:00 game or the 1:30 game.' Baranczyk hopes the crowd will cheer for the Sooners because of the Iowa connection. 'I'm sure they'll cheer for us,' she quipped. A different Katelyn Instead of featuring a high-scoring Caitlin, the Hawkeyes have to play against one. Katelyn Young moved into 14th place on the all-time Division I scoring list and surpassed 3,000 career points in the Missouri Valley Conference title game, a 34-point barrage against Belmont. She averages 22.2 points per game on nearly 56% shooting from the field. She has help — the team leads the nation with 87.8 points per game. 'I think they're here for a reason,' Olsen said. 'No random team just makes March Madness. So that's important to note. They have a 3,000-point scorer on their team. Not a lot of people do that in their career. They play so fast. They just shoot the ball well. They're going to be tough.' New Iowa scorer Though it will be the first time since 2019 that the Hawkeyes play in the tournament without Clark, Lucy Olsen has picked up much of the slack this season to help them return. She averages 18 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. She averaged 23.3 points per game at Villanova last season before transferring. ___ AP March Madness bracket: and coverage: Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here.
