UConn Routs Iowa in Sweet 16, Contains Clark

Auriemma was back with his team after isolating because of a positive coronavirus test, which prevented him from coaching during the first two rounds of the tournament. He joined his team in San Antonio on Wednesday, and after the win over Iowa he pulled Clark aside to offer her a pat on the back and some words of encouragement.

The Huskies remained without freshman guard Nika Muhl, who injured her right ankle in the Huskies’ first game of the tournament. But she was out of the boot and cheered on her team from the sidelines. Her replacement in the starting lineup, Aaliyah Edwards, had 18 points and made several key plays down low, including a block and two offensive rebounds in the first half. UConn outrebounded Iowa, 42-25.

It was the first game with paying in-person spectators of the women’s tournament, and Huskies fans came out — even if they did not go to UConn.

Chris Aranda, 32, of San Antonio, ran a 5K then came to see the player nicknamed “Paige Buckets” with his brother. While Bueckers did not break any records, Aranda said he was not disappointed.

“I mean, UConn is dominating, aren’t they?” he said after UConn took a 14 point lead before halftime.

Marisa Ingemi contributed reporting.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/27/sports/ncaabasketball/womens-sweet-16-uconn.html