Iowa's Gabbie Marshall (24) celebrates with her teammates after Iowa defeated Michigan State, 87-72, in an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Friday, March 12, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Monika Czinano scored 27 points, Caitlin Clark added 20 points and 11 assists and sixth-seeded Iowa beat seventh-seeded Michigan State 87-72 Friday to advance to the Big Ten Tournament championship game.
The Hawkeyes (18-8) will be seeking their fourth win in the tournament when they take on top seed and No. 7-ranked Maryland, an 85-52 winner over Northwestern in its semifinal.
Clark, the freshman who is the nation's leading scorer (27.2), had consecutive 3-pointers to cap an 11-0 run for a 77-62 lead with six minutes remaining. The Spartans (15-8) got within eight but a pair of baskets from Czinano and another from McKenna Warnock pushed the lead back to 14 with 1:51 left.
Warnock had 17 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
Nia Clouden scored 24 points, Kendall Bostic had 13 and Moira Joiner 10 for the Spartans, who beat the Hawkeyes 86-82 in a Dec. 12 matchup. Joiner started for the injured Tori Ozment.
Michigan State led 41-40 at halftime. Warnock gave Iowa the lead for good with a 3-pointer early in the third quarter, which ended with a Clark 3-pointer and a seven-point lead.
Iowa, coming in as the nation's top 3-point shooting team at 41%, made only 8 of 26 from the arc for 31% but sank 19 of 21 free throws and outscored Michigan State 26-8 off turnovers.
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Iowa players celebrate after defeating Michigan State, 87-72, in an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Big Ten Conference tournament, Friday, March 12, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Associated Press
Iowa's McKenna Warnock (14) makes a pass against Michigan State's Kendall Bostic (44) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball semifinal game at the Big Ten Conference tournament, Friday, March 12, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Associated Press
Iowa's Monika Czinano (25) puts up a shot against Michigan State's Alisia Smith, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball semifinal game at the Big Ten Conference tournament, Friday, March 12, 2021, in Indianapolis. Iowa won 87-72. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Associated Press
Iowa's Caitlin Clark, right, is defended by Michigan State's Moira Joiner during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Big Ten women's tournament Friday, March 12, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Associated Press
Michigan State's Taiyier Parks (14) and Iowa's Monika Czinano (25) battle for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball semifinal game at the Big Ten Conference tournament, Friday, March 12, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Associated Press
Iowa's Tomi Taiwo (1) and Michigan State's Kendall Bostic (44) chase the ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball semifinal game at the Big Ten Conference tournament, Friday, March 12, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Associated Press
Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder shouts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball semifinal game against Michigan State at the Big Ten Conference tournament, Friday, March 12, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Associated Press
Michigan State head coach Suzy Merchant shouts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball semifinal game against Iowa at the Big Ten Conference tournament, Friday, March 12, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Associated Press
Michigan State's Alyza Winston (3) is defended by Iowa's Caitlin Clark (22) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball semifinal game at the Big Ten Conference tournament, Friday, March 12, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Associated Press