Iowa’s Caitlin Clark OK after fan knocked her down in court storm

Field Level Media|published: Sun 21st January, 15:03 2024

Jan 21, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes the court for warm ups prior to the NCAA women s basketball game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. credits: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Iowa star Caitlin Clark is unharmed after she was knocked to the ground by a fan during a postgame court storm at Ohio State on Sunday afternoon in Columbus.

After the No. 18 Buckeyes handed the No. 2 Hawkeyes their second loss of the season, 100-92 in overtime, Ohio State fans rushed the court to celebrate while Iowa players had yet to leave the area.

Video that circulated online showed Clark start to run off just as a single fan, apparently holding a phone in the air, entered the court and collided with Clark. She stayed down on the ground as her teammates and nearby officials came to her aid.

Both Clark and an Iowa spokesperson confirmed after the game that she was not injured.

"Kinda scary, could've caused a pretty serious injury to me," Clark said in a postgame press conference. "It knocked the wind out of me, but luckily my teammates picked me up and got me off the court. And (Ohio State's athletic director) already came and apologized to me, so I really appreciate that.

"This is what comes with the territory. I'm sure they tried their best to do whatever they could. Obviously, it didn't work, and that's disappointing. Just focused now on the game and ways we can get better."

Clark put up 45 points on 12-of-25 shooting (7-for-18 from 3-point range) and seven assists but committed seven turnovers as the Buckeyes pulled away in overtime.

—Field Level Media