Iowa's Caitlin Clark takes March Madness center stage

As the nation turns its eyes to Caitlin Clark, Des Moines begins to hold its breath.

Why it matters: The first round of the NCAA Tournament this weekend could be something of a basketball nirvana for Iowans.

• Clark and the rest of the No. 2 seed Hawkeyes take on Southeastern Louisiana at home at 3pm Friday.
• Next up is Drake, whose men's and women's teams both made the tournament as No. 12 seeds. The men take on Miami Friday at 6:25pm and the women play Saturday at 6:30pm against Lousiville.

Of note: The Iowa men lost against Auburn last night — 83-75.

Driving the news: Eye-popping stats and national commercials have become normal for Clark.

• That said, she had an excellent individual year last season and the Hawkeyes still lost in the second round.
• And they haven't made the Final Four since 1993, roughly nine years before Clark was born.

State of play: This year could be different.

• Clark, Monika Czinano, Gabbie Marshall, Kate Martin and McKenna Warnock have started 86 career games together, per ESPN.
• The Hawkeyes lead the country in scoring by a comfortable margin.
• Iowa wouldn't have to play South Carolina — the most dominant team in college basketball this season — until the semifinals.
• And while this team can shoot well enough to cover up most mistakes, the defense has also improved from last year.

How to watch: The 3pm game is on ESPN.