Caitlin Clark's buzzer-beater lifts No. 4 Iowa over Michigan St.

Field Level Media|published: Tue 2nd January, 23:23 2024

Iowa s Caitlin Clark (22) attempts a three-point shot against Michigan State Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. credits: Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

Caitlin Clark capped a 40-point night by drilling a buzzing-beating, step-back 3-pointer from the midcourt logo to give No. 4 Iowa a 76-73 win over Michigan State on Tuesday in Iowa City.

The Hawkeyes (14-1, 3-0 Big Ten) led by nine points midway through the fourth quarter, but the Spartans (11-3, 1-2) pulled level when Julia Ayrault made a layup with 1:27 to go.

Two free throws from Molly Davis put Iowa back on top with 29 seconds left, but Michigan State's DeeDee Hagemann tied the score again seven seconds later with a layup.

That set up the Hawkeyes for the final play, and the reigning National Player of the Year delivered again to give Iowa its 11th win in a row.

Clark hit 14 of 34 shots from the floor, 8 of 20 from 3-point range. Hannah Stuelke had 15 points and eight rebounds for the Hawkeyes, who got a game-high 11 rebounds from Kate Martin.

Julia Ayrault topped the Spartans with 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Hagemann scored 14 points while Moira Joiner and Tory Ozment added 10 apiece as Michigan State saw its four-game winning streak end.

—Field Level Media