PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Caitlin Clark put on another show on the road much to the joy of her adoring fans.
Clark had 29 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds for her 14th career triple-double to lead No. 4 Iowa to a 103-69 win over Rutgers on Friday night.
Like many of Iowa’s road contests this season, Friday’s game was a sellout — the first for Rutgers since the team hosted UConn in 2006.
Fans, many wearing Clark shirts and jerseys, lined up nearly two hours before tip waiting to get in.
“The crowd was incredible,” Clark said. “There were a lot of little girls, most I’ve seen in a long time. We don’t get to come out to the east coast much. It’s really special the cheer I got when I ran on the court. Some moments you’re never going to forget.”
From deep 3-pointers to 30-foot bounce passes that led to layups, the reigning AP Player of the Year made her presence felt on the court and drew loud cheers nearly every time she touched the ball.
Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket against Rutgers guard Destiny Adams (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, in Piscataway, N.J.AP
She had nine points, four rebounds and three assists in the opening quarter when Iowa (15-1, 4-0 Big Ten) led 25-19.
The Hawkeyes put the game away in the second, outscoring Rutgers 30-11 to lead by 25 at the half.
“Once we started getting stops we were able to push a little bit,” Clark said.
The only drama in the second half was whether Clark would get her third triple-double of the season.
She achieved it early in the fourth quarter when she secured her 10th rebound and then had consecutive assists to give her double digits in that category.
She exited the game with 6:20 left to a loud ovation from the crowd.
“I think one of the things that makes Iowa such a dynamic team is the way that Caitlin’s teammates play with her and around her,” Rutgers coach Coquese Washington said. “It’s pretty special when you have teammates who understand how to allow generational talent to be herself and to make you better. Play within the framework that makes everyone at their best. Her teammates do a great job of that.”
Caitlin Clark fans Layla Lehansky, Leah Railski, Emma Lawrence and Alexa Lehansky, of West Milford, N.J., pose for photos while waiting in line to enter the arena for an NCAA college basketball game between Iowa and Rutgers.AP
Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, in Piscataway, N.J.
Kate Martin added 17 points for the Hawkeyes, who had five players in double figures.
Iowa took the hour drive to New York on Thursday to take in a show and sightsee. The Hawkeyes went to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree and Times Square.
Kassondra Brown had 12 points and 11 rebounds to lead Rutgers (6-11, 0-4).
