Gabbie Marshall’s crucial hustle in the final seconds of Iowa’s Final Four win over UConn helped secure their spot in the national championship game. However, a controversial call that led to Iowa gaining possession after fighting over an Aaliyah Edwards screen resulted in Marshall facing an onslaught of “hate comments” on social media. As the Hawkeyes prepare to face the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks in the title game, Marshall made the decision to delete her social media accounts in order to avoid the negativity. Despite the backlash, Marshall stated that she was not the one who made the call and questioned why she was being targeted personally for it.
Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder defended Marshall, expressing disbelief at the criticism directed towards a 22-year-old player for a call that was out of her control. Bluder commended Marshall’s performance in responding to the controversial call and emphasized that it was unfair for people to attack a young player who was simply doing her job. The debate surrounding the call on Edwards has been widespread, with prominent figures such as NBA superstar LeBron James, WNBA All-Star Kelsey Plum, and LSU’s Angel Reese weighing in on the controversial decision. Despite differing opinions, Marshall asserted that if a foul is committed, it should be called, regardless of the timing in the game.
The debate over the moving screen call on Edwards has sparked a social media discourse, with opinions divided on whether the call was justifiable given the circumstances. While some argue that officials should avoid making controversial calls in critical moments of the game, Marshall believes that the right call should be made regardless of the time left on the clock. Marshall expressed her belief that the moving screen was illegal and noted that it was not the first of its kind in the game. With the distraction of social media removed, Marshall is focused on helping her team secure a national championship title when they face South Carolina in the final.
Marshall’s performance in the Final Four, where she contributed five points, five rebounds, and one assist in 39 minutes of play, showcased her resilience and determination on the court. Despite facing backlash on social media, Marshall’s focus remains on her team’s goal of winning the national championship. As Iowa prepares to take on South Carolina in the title game, Marshall is hoping that her efforts will lead to a triumphant end to the season. By deleting her social media accounts, Marshall has eliminated distractions and is committed to giving her all on the court in pursuit of a championship victory. In the face of criticism and controversy, Marshall remains determined to make the most of the opportunity to compete for a national title.
