MINNEAPOLIS — The Target Center felt like home court for the Iowa Hawkeyes. So much, so that fans during the Women's Big Ten Tournament referred to Target Center as "Carver North," as if a satellite to their home arena.
"It's crazy. It's like loud. Very, very loud," said young fan Daphne Kronlage from Saint Paul.
Iowans took over downtown Minneapolis to watch their beloved team blow through their first two opponents, led by transcendent star Caitlin Clark.
"She's the MVP. And the GOAT," said 3rd-grader Paige Jentz from Wisconsin.
Clark has superfans among girls and boys.
"She's the best basketball player ever," said Kennedy Jensen from Mason City, IA.
Clark has even made Hawkeyes fans out of plenty of Minnesotans.
"We probably the opposite of fans of Iowa, but Caitlin Clark has made us Iowa fans," said the father of Maddy Nelson from Buffalo, MN. "Just being huge Gophers and living here obviously, but Caitlin Clark has brought that out – the passion she plays with, and the drive. It’s been fun to watch."
But the championship game against Nebraska was closer than many anticipated. Then Clark started making her threes, leading a comeback, a dramatic tie at the end of regulation, and a thrilling overtime victory.
Iowa fans are celebrating in downtown Minneapolis -- and city leaders hope the shot in the arm and momentum will continue as the men's Big Ten tourney begins. Teams will arrive early this week.
Watch more local news:
Watch the latest local news from the Twin Cities and across Minnesota in our YouTube playlist: