Former Iowa women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder traveled to Las Vegas alongside Jan Jensen – the new Hawkeyes boss – to watch several of her former players face off in the WNBA.

The duo sat courtside as Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever took on Kate Martin and Megan Gustafson’s Las Vegas Aces. Prior to tip-off, Bluder and Jensen snapped photos with fans and conversed with Aces team owner Mark Davis. Taking to social media, Bluder expressed her excitement for getting to watch three ex-Hawkeyes compete at the professional level, writing on X: “Can’t wait to be there to support 3 of my Hawks!”

It didn’t take long for Clark to provide the pair of coaches with a highlight-reel play. Less than five minutes into the first quarter, the 22-year-old nearly lost the ball while evading full-court press. She was able to regain her dribble near half court and soon after swished a heavily-contested 3-pointer over Aces guard Kelsey Plum.

Several minutes later, Bluder and Jensen were treated to another incredible moment. Following a stoppage in play, Clark and Martin checked into the game together and received a standing ovation from those in attendance at Michelob Ultra Arena. Gustafson was already on the court, thus marking the first time that all three former Iowa players were on the floor together.

On the first missed shot after play resumed, Clark and Martin chased after a rebound, with the Fever star winning the race to the ball. Later on in the first half, Bluder made a brief appearance in the broadcast booth while the two guards and old teammates guarded one another.

Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin embraced before Saturday’s game ( 
Image:
Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Despite their heated rivalry on the court, Clark and Martin remain incredibly close off of it. Ahead of their first WNBA matchup, the two embraced and catched up on life.

“Kate’s obviously one of my best friends and somebody that was with me all four years at Iowa,” Clark told reporters during a pre-game press conference. “I was the person at Iowa that begged her to come back for her sixth year, so I’m sure she doesn’t regret that at this point. We’ve talked every single day.

“Honestly she’s just a winner,” Clark said of Martin. “She has that personality about her and lucky enough she was my teammate but also one of my best friends.”

Saturday’s contest isn’t the only Fever game that Bluder and Jensen have attended this season. Earlier this month, they cheered on Clark during Indiana’s home opener at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Speaking to 16NewsNow ahead of the game, Bluder could hardly contain her enthusiasm, sharing: “I’m so excited for Caitlin and for all the Indiana Fever fans. Give her a little time, it’s gonna be absolutely amazing. She’s an incredible young woman and she’s gonna represent this state and this city so well.”