Former Iowa Hawkeyes, Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin faced off for the first time on Saturday. This matchup did not conclude the way many may have expected.
Iowa Day ✨
Fever at Aces
8 pm CT on NBA TV???? @LVAces, @IndianaFever #Hawkeyes x #WNBA pic.twitter.com/piRqMEsZWq
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) May 25, 2024
Martin expressed her feelings playing against her former companion. “It was weird I’m not gonna lie,” Martin said. “But we’re both living our dreams at the highest level.”
Clark vs. Martin
Clark being the number one overall pick, every one of her games is highly anticipated. The Las Vegas Aces being the reigning WNBA champions only increases the anticipation.
Martin was not even expecting to be drafted, but to her benefit Las Vegas invested in her at pick 18. In the first Aces game, Martin did not record one minute played.
In Clark’s Iowa career she averaged 28.4 points all four years combined. As for Martin, her average over all four years is only 8.0 points per game.
It is no secret that Clark has had an underwhelming season, but her statistics are still above average. She currently averages 15.4 points per game and 6.3 assists per game.
Diana Taurasi: Caitlin Clark will face a learning curve when she enters the WNBA. It won't be easy.
Fans: HATER.
Caitlin Clark: 5-for-15 FG, 4-for-11 3pt. Record for most turnovers in #WNBA history for a debut (10). pic.twitter.com/gkoij1TmnE
— Joshua Sánchez (@jnsanchez) May 15, 2024
Martin is a role player for Las Vegas but has been efficient and effective with all of her minutes. This was evident again in this night as she only played 22 minutes.
In her minutes, Martin scored 12 points and was efficient with her scoring as well. She was 3-for-5 (60%) from the field and was also 4-for-4 (100%) from the free throw line.
Clark, on the other hand did not have the game many would have expected compared to her peer. She shot 2-for-8 (25%) from the field, but she was 2-for-2 at the free throw line.
???????? pic.twitter.com/fQOuXjR3kK
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) May 26, 2024
It will be interesting to see how their careers pan out, but after the first meeting, Martin has the upper hand.
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Trevis Dampier Jr is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @trevisjay_
