Controversial call in Iowa's narrow victory over UConn draws fiery reaction

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The Iowa Hawkeyes are back in the women’s final for the second year in a row, but not without a bit of controversy. 

Iowa battled through a tough first half against UConn where star shooter Caitlin Clark was limited to just six points. A late surge in the second half, coupled with pivotal three-pointers from Clark, kept Iowa in the race. 

Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes, celebrates as Nika Muhl, #10 and Aaliyah Edwards, #3, of the UConn Huskies react after a foul called against UConn in the second half during the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 5, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

But a costly turnover with just a minute remaining gave way to Nika Muhl’s 3-pointer for a 70-69 Iowa lead.

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Then, in dramatic fashion, Aaliyah Edwards was called for an illegal screen on Gabbit Marshall.

Clark made her first free throw attempt, and Sydney Affolter secured the offensive rebound on the second to end it all. 

The controversial call made waves on social media, with many disagreeing with officials. 

"My point of view, it was pretty clean," Edwards said of the offensive foul after the game. 

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An emotional Paige Bueckers, who dropped 17 points, dismissed the significance the play had on the outcome of the game.

Paige Bueckers, #5, Aaliyah Edwards, #3, and Nika Muhl, #10, of the UConn Huskies, from left, react as they speak with the media after losing to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Final