NCAA

"And UConn takes it. 86-64"

Cheers rang across Gampel Pavilion as UConn beat Jackson State 86 to 64. UConn was officially moving on to the second round of tournaments. Everyone was hyping one another up for their great performance and gameplay today. Nika felt very proud of herself because she believed she had a great game. As much as she wanted to continue celebrating and getting interviewed, all she wanted to do was figure out if the Hawkeyes won their game or not.

Nika was uncertain of doing interviews in case any interviewer were going to be unprofessional and ask about Nika's love life, by telling her how the Hawkeyes did. The only exception would be Holly Rowe but coincidentally, she was currently at the Iowa vs Holy Cross game, reporting and commentating.

Trying to put on her best smile, Nika politely declined any reporters/interviewers who wanted to ask her questions on the court. Nika lied saying that she had to urgently take a massive shit...which was obviously a lie.

Although it seemed like a shitty thing to do, three months ago Nika would've just told the reporters to fuck off. This really goes to show how much progress Nika was making in being nice to people. All thanks to Kate.

The team was going out to celebrate this win but there was about an hour and a half before they actually went out for dinner. This gave everyone a chance to freshen up and dress up nicely. On the way home, as hard as it is, Nika gave her best efforts into not going on any social media.

As soon as the three girls arrived at the apartment, they were slumped. Aaliyah headed straight for the couch while Paige laid on the floor. Nika didn't have any time for that as she immediately went to her room to call her girlfriend.

"There she goes again. Acting like a kid in a fucking candy store." Paige rolled her eyes as her eyes examined Nika rushing into her room and slamming her door.

Nika laid down on her bed with her back against the headboard. She hovered her thumb over Kate's FaceTime contact. Kate should be back to her own apartment at this time so Nika didn't decide to text her beforehand. Nika's calculations seemed to be right because Kate answered halfway during the first ring.

"Hi Nika."

"Hi Princess." Nika's eyebrows furrowed as she noticed Kate didn't look so joyful. "What's wrong baby? Did the game go not good?"

Kate looked at her screen, locking eyes with the Croatian as a sudden smile appeared on her face. "We won Nika." Nika sighed in relief after hearing those three words come out of Kate's mouth. "How about you guys? I'm going to assumed you guys fucking crushed it huh?"

Nika waved her off as that gave Kate the answer she was looking for. "Please Kate. I told you this game was dedicated to you. No way in fucking hell was I going to let us lose."

"That's very sweet to hear. I'm glad you guys won, love." Nika and Kate exchanged smiles as a brief moment of silence came afterwards. A thought that has been held secretly in Kate's mind, about to come forward. "I was wondering something. What are the odds that Iowa and UConn versus each other in this matchup? That's even if my team makes it that far."

That thought left Nika to ponder for a second. It wasn't really something that Nika really thought about but maybe there was a possibility the two teams could face off. "What do you mean?"

Kate got up from her lying position, resting her phone against the lamp on her nightstand. "Well for starters our teams are in different Regions. If the Hawkeyes win all games in our Region and you guys beat all the teams you face off in your Region, then we face off at the Final Four."

Despite looking away from her phone for a moment, Kate could see Nika's lips forming into a smile from the corner of her eye. "You are so smart baby. How long did doing that mathematics take you?"

Kate tried to cover the flow of red that was in her cheeks but it was useless. "I may have secretly been researching about it since the first round matches came out. Which really wasn't that long about but y'know."

"Well, I for one would love to see both of our teams versus each other in the Final Four. Wish it could've been the Championships but that's not possible." Nika suddenly had a despairing look on her face. "You know what that means though, right?"

"What?"

The despairing look on the Croatian's face quickly turned into a smirk.

"Then we're going to have to work our asses off to face off at the Final Four"

March 25th, 2024

Gampel Pavilion

"UConn will take on Duke in Portland."

Smiles were scattered throughout the arena. Even a small seeming achievement like this seemed to make everybody so happy. Because they were happy. The Huskies were one game closer to achieving their dream and proving everybody who doubted them wrong.

"We're moving on! One more game closer to getting that Natty, twin!" Paige kept screaming and chanting as she wrapped her arms around Nika tightly, almost suffocating the girl. People around the country wondered about UConn Women's Basketball's reputation when they didn't make the Elite Eight last year. But now, they are getting closer to proving them wrong. Their reputation could never be ruined. They're the Basketball Capital of the World for crying out loud.

Nika felt like she was getting suffocated by the blonde but still continued to let Paige hug her. "You're about to kill me Paige." Paige let go after she realized she was quite literally suffocating the girl. The twins went silent for a brief moment before the Croatian spoke up again. "We're getting that Natty!"

Just then the rest of the Huskies joined in on Paige and Nika's chant. This 2nd round win somehow seemed as adrenaline pumping as actually winning a National Championship. Of course, none of them knew what that felt like just yet.

March 25th, 2024

Carver-Hawkeye Arena

"And the Iowa Hawkeyes survive the scare in the Second Round from West Virginia, and advance to the Sweet Sixteen!"

Kate took it all in as she lined up to congratulate West Virginia who they just beat. Speaking of beat, Kate's heart was beating rapidly as she was still in shock that they had just won that game.

Already there was a big difference between this game and the one with Holy Cross. It felt like a much tougher battle, especially in the second quarter. Nonetheless Kate played as hard as she could. But to know that there were harder teams they had to face off against, that's what worried her. Still, a win is a win and they were one step closer to the Final Four.

Jada went to Kate and pulled her into a hug while Caitlin was right next to them throwing up heart hands for the people in the stands. Kate eased up a bit as Jada congratulated her and told her that she did amazing.

Right after hugging Jada, Kate, Gabbie, and Caitlin went into a group hug. Somehow, even after all of the records that Caitlin has broken already, she managed to break another today by passing Kelsey Plum's single season point record.

There was no time for a long celebration though. As soon as this game was done, all the Hawkeyes knew they would be back in the Practice Facility to make sure that they are better than they were today. Sixteen candles but one wish. To beat Colorado.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

The Huskies and Hawkeyes both won their games in the Sweet Sixteen. It was beginning to feel all too real for both Nika and Kate. One by one, day by day, both teams were getting a higher chance of facing off in the Final four.

The next day came and Kate found out that Iowa would be facing their last year rivals. LSU. Last year Iowa made it to the Championship and devastatingly loss. This was their year to make a comeback to outperform and beat LSU and make their way to the Final Four. Iowa slipped up once but they will make sure they don't slip up again.

It was 12 PM in Albany and 9 AM in Portland when Nika FaceTimed Kate. "Hey princess. How are you feeling?"

Kate was currently in the hotel room with Caitlin, Gabbie, and Hannah in the room as well. They had just gotten done with their first practice and had another one in about 2 hours.

"I don't know what to feel to be honest with you babe. I just can't believe that we're both one game away to be facing each other off in the Final Four. It's just all so crazy because I first suggested the idea with all this self doubt in my mind. But now this shit is actually happening."

Nika smiled at Kate as she began slicking her hair back in a ponytail. "Don't ever doubt yourself baby. You're better than you think you are, and though I hate to admit this, you Iowa people are a big fucking threat and some people don't realize it."

"It's just we're playing LSU which is giving me flashbacks to last April." Kate chuckled at herself as she replayed the last seconds of that LSU game in her mind.

"You got it princess. I believe in you and I believe in your team, and that you guys are going to pull this dub off."

Kate gave Nika a very light smile from the reassurance her girlfriend gave her. "What about you? You nervous having to face Duke?"

Nika waved her off, making both girls laugh. Caitlin was making stupid jokes throughout the FaceTime but both girls chose to ignore them. "Not really. They're a very good team but I have confidence." At that moment Aaliyah barged into the bathroom acknowledging Nika that they had to get to practice. "Alright I gotta go. Bye, I love you."

"Bye Nika."

April 1st, 2024

Moda Center, Oregon

"...The Huskies, who are proving it's not how you start, it's how you finish. And UConn knocks out a number one seed, to head back to the Final Four."

Comeback, am I right? After a hiatus of not being in the Final Four, UConn officially made its way back. USC did good. But UConn did better.

It all felt surreal. The whole game felt like a blackout to Nika, and still they pulled off the dub. There were two different types of energies in the room. The Huskies and UConn fans who were celebrating, non-stop screaming, and the Trojans and the USC fans who were disappointed and had deep dejection.

There were a bunch of reporters and cameras everywhere Nika walked on the court. It was the last time she'd seen this many right in front of her since the last time she could remember. She tried to not get too rowdy too soon as she had a postgame interview right after this. Obviously, once the interview was done, it was time to get crazy.

Many people believed the Huskies wouldn't be able to pull off another Final Four, but they did, and it felt really good to prove those people wrong.

The energy Nika felt in this moment is energy she wishes to never lose or forget. The only time Nika could compare how happy she felt in this moment to anything else was whenever she was with Kate. Both things brought her a smile. A real, genuine one.

Nika had no idea how the Iowa vs. LSU game was going and part of her didn't want to know. It would seriously be a shame going into the Final Four without facing her girlfriend. It is basketball at the end of the day, and both girls knew that.

April 1st, 2024

Times Union Center, New York

59.5 seconds left and Iowa was up 12. There were 59.5 seconds left, and Iowa was up 12. They said to never celebrate too early. Kate had her serious face on but part of her just wanted to smile. Because she knew the Hawkeyes were going to win.

Kate looked to the sidelines for one moment, seeing Angel Reese who was fouled out on the bench. LSU was Kate's enemies right now but she also felt remorse for Angel Reese at the same time. Angel has faced a lot of backlash in the basketball community this past year, and all Kate could feel was guilt as she saw Angel sitting there on the bench, not being able to play the last minute in her Collegiate Career.

This was a game though and there had to be a winner. That winner was going to be Iowa.

"Clark evades, that will do it! This time, it's Iowa!...The Hawkeyes are heading back, to the Final Four!"

Kate was ready to collapse to the ground. This felt like a dream that she never wanted to wake up from. Not only did they win this very anticipated matchup, but they are also one step closer to winning a National Championship. Just like they all dreamed of.

When reflecting back on the game, Kate was extremely proud of how she played today. Kate managed to total 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Kate was normally good when averaging assists but she had none this game. She didn't mind it though, that's why they have Caitlin.

Caitlin began bolting right towards Kate with a giant grin on her face. "We're going back to the Final Four, K!" Caitlin and Kate hugged as they began jumping up and down from excitement.

If the world was to end right now, Kate wouldn't think that she would care. She had the most perfect and flawless girlfriend, her and her team are going back to the Final Four, she had amazing friends, everything was just right.

"Well Rebecca, seems like the so on called 'Mühltin' fandom are going to have a whirlwind with this was as the couple will now be facing off against each other in just a few days." Rebecca let out a laugh from Ryan's comment as she reminisced on her days at UConn.

"You're absolutely right Ryan. This game seemed to be the most anticipated one so far but now I think this Iowa vs. UConn one will be. We will get to see two of the greatest basketball players, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers play each other. Now with Nika and Kate though, it definitely adds more juice."

Ah yes, how could anyone ever forget about that? Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers in the most important game in the NCAA to most people. Two of the greatest that have ever stepped foot on a college basketball court. Together in the 2023-24 season, they averaged over 50 points per game. Diabolical.

After a few interviews and hugging her teammates, Kate immediately went over to her family. More so Carson. She hugged them all and took photos with them. It felt like it was Kate's wedding day with all of the congrats she was receiving from everyone.

"You fucking ate that shit up Kate. I'm so proud of you." Kate's older sister, Kennedy, brought Kate into a hug that barely ever happened when they were younger. Not because they weren't closer with each other, it was only because they always argued.

"Thanks Ken." Kate was always the one to light up a room and make people smile, but now she was the one who was smiling from her family lighting her up. She just felt so grateful and never wanted this night to end.

Once seeing all of her family and a good time passed, Kate, Caitlin, Sydney, and Coach Bluder made their way to the Conference Room for a postgame interview.

Caitlin just managed to speak the truth. It never failed to amazed Kate whenever she saw Caitlin being asked questions and how professionally she handles them. Caitlin was their star player no doubt, but for her to be that good at basketball, that professional and humble, it was amazing to Kate. She just knew what words to say and how to say them without hurting anybody's feelings. She was Kate's best friend for a reason and Kate knew that their friendship would never end.

Though thinking highly of Caitlin, Kate spoke highly of Gabbie. A question was asked about Gabbie for them and Kate knew she wanted to answer it. Gabbie played that full 40 minute game and didn't show one ounce of tiredness. The stats that you see don't do Gabbie's gameplay justice. Without Gabbie and her defensive plays, things could've turned out much more differently for the Hawkeyes.

The Conference was fairly quick as they still needed to interview Coach Bluder. So while she was being interviewed the three of them headed back to the locker room where everybody else was.

Kate and Sydney were first to head inside and as soon as Caitlin walked in, there was no doubt she was going to bring the energy.

"We're going back to the Final Four bitches! Get fucking hyped!"

Everyone cheered as they all poured water on Caitlin. She was the reason Iowa made it to where they are today. A game without Caitlin would've been a loss on the court and for the Hawkeye community. She brought the boom while Kate was the glue.

Music, more so 2010's Katy Perry was blasting in the locker room. They didn't need no alcohol to bring them into a silly dancing mood, they just needed each other and each other's smiles and energy.

"How ready are you for Cleveland, K?' Caitlin sat right next to Kate who was putting her slides on and putting her arm around her shoulders.

"I still haven't registered it, Clark. I didn't really hit me yet but I know that it will in a minute. But still, I'm so fucking happy for us." Kate paused as she wanted to make an announcement to the team. She was the glue after all.

"Hey guys settle down for a moment." Just then the music stopped as the team went quiet. "I just want to say how proud I am of us. We deserve to be here. We gave our blood, sweat, and tears to get into the position that we are right now. It wasn't always easy. There were bad games and there were good games. But none of that matters anymore. We're heading back to the Final Four and then we're going to the Championship and we are going to show everyone that we are not to be messed with." The whole team clapped and cheered as the music began again.

Kate was not one for dancing as she sucked at it but she was in a room with people that she loved. She didn't want to take any of this for granted because this could quite literally be the last time she will ever be celebrating a win with them again.

They danced the night away in that small but intimate room until Coach Bluder came who gave another very powerful speech.

Kate was so distracted while having fun that she forgot to check her phone. She was over here celebrating while her girlfriend might've lost her game.

She opened up her phone and on the lock screen she saw a message from someone.

It was Nika.

Nika ♥️

See you at the Final Four.

Authors Note:

'This time, its Iowa' from Ryan never fails to send shivers down my spine

Deadass how many times did I say 'Final Four'

The amt of research that I needed to do was so bad. Ofc I watched all the games its just like the small details I needed to get right

Sry yLL I Just been so busy w/ school and work

Next Chapter going to be a big Chapter since its Chapter 30 and theres like only 10 more after that

Maybe Ill change things up for the next chapter, maybe I wont

Once again hope yall enjoyed