The Iowa Hawkeyes made a strong statement in their first NCAA Tournament game without Caitlin Clark, securing a commanding 92-57 victory over Murray State. This win was especially meaningful for forward Jada Gyamfi, a former teammate of Clark’s, who got a rare opportunity to shine on the court.
With Clark now playing for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, Iowa had big shoes to fill after losing their top scorer, rebounder, and playmaker from the previous season. To compensate for this major loss, the Hawkeyes brought in Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen, who stepped up as the team’s new leader. While she didn’t match Clark’s historic numbers, Olsen had an impressive season, averaging 18.0 points and 4.9 assists per game. She continued her stellar performance in her tournament debut for Iowa, recording a double-double with 12 points and 12 assists.
Olsen’s leadership helped Iowa dominate the game, allowing Gyamfi—who typically sees limited minutes—to check in during the fourth quarter. Though her playing time was brief, Gyamfi made the most of it, recording two points, two rebounds, and two assists—her best NCAA Tournament performance in her three-year career. Adding to the excitement, Gyamfi was also celebrating her 21st birthday on game day, making the moment even more special.
After the game, Caitlin Clark took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message for her former teammate. Clark, who shared a close bond with Gyamfi during their time together at Iowa, hyped her up for getting a bucket in the tournament. In a playful Instagram Story post, she wrote, “Miss you and your hugs. BIG BDAY BUCKET TODAY!!!! GIVE HER THE BALL!!!! @jadagyamfi sorry this is my best artistic work.”
With the win, Gyamfi, Olsen, and the rest of the Iowa Hawkeyes are advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Their next challenge will be against the winner of the matchup between No. 3 seed Oklahoma Sooners and No. 14 seed Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. As Iowa continues their tournament run, they’ll look to build on their strong start and keep their championship hopes alive.
