GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Iowa did what it always does, working the ball around and getting it to Megan Gustafson. Now the Hawkeyes are sticking around longer in the NCAA Tournament than they have in a generation.
Gustafson had 27 points and 12 rebounds to lead Iowa past North Carolina State 79-61 on Saturday in the Greensboro Regional semifinals.
“It’s been a magical year for us,” coach Lisa Bluder said, “and we don’t want to see it end.”
Gustafson, who averages a Division I-best 28 points while also ranking second in rebounding, finished with her 33rd double-double to tie the NCAA’s single-season record. She made 10 of her 13 shots.
Hannah Stewart added 16 points and 10 rebounds.
They helped the second-seeded Hawkeyes (29-6) earn their first Elite Eight appearance since 1993.
Iowa will play top-seeded Baylor at 6 p.m. Monday on ESPN2, with the winner advancing to the Final Four in Tampa, Florida.
UConn and Oregon are already in the Final Four.