INDIANAPOLIS — The term “warrior” is sometimes diluted by its overuse in the sporting realm.
Kachine Alexander has officially earned the title after an inspiring performance in Iowa’s 59-54 Big Ten Tournament semifinal win against Michigan State on Saturday.
The Hawkeye guard bounced off the court on two hard Michigan State fouls in the final 26 seconds. But after both collisions, she managed to scrape herself off the Conseco Fieldhouse floor.
The impact was enough to provide her with a mouthful of fresh blood as she stepped to the free throw line after the second foul. Alexander was well aware she would not return to action if officials spotted the swiftly-accumulating vital fluids.
So what did she do? Keep her mouth closed, swallowing her own blood.
Anyone who has seen her play knows anything less than that is a disappointment.
With the Hawkeyes leading 57-54 and seven seconds remaining on the clock, Alexander shot two from the charity stripe. “Kach” nailed both, staying true to her nickname and putting her team on top, 59-54. The scoreboard displayed the same numbers as time expired a few moments later.
She was probably in need of ice, but instead, she was the one putting the game in the freezer for the Hawkeyes.
“Kach, game in and game out, we know she’s going to be tough,” sophomore point guard Kamille Wahlin said. “Anything that happens where she can get knocked down ten times in a game, she’s going to get back up. She’s just got that mentality of being tough. And she’s not going to walk off the court with a bloody lip.”
Those two free throws were just the final seal on a perfect 6-of-6 evening — the second straight day that Alexander proved impeccable from the charity stripe. She was also a flawless 4-of-4 in Iowa’s 82-75 quarterfinal victory over sixth-seeded Penn State on Friday.
If her clutch last-second free throws weren’t enough, Alexander collected 10 rebounds to go along with her 14 points, recording her 15th double-double of the season. Despite standing at just 5-9, the only player — teammate or opponent — to outrebound her on Saturday was freshman teammate Morgan Johnson (11). Alexander also dished out four assists and stole the ball twice to once again overload the box score.
Freshman Jaime Printy called Alexander one of the toughest people she’s ever met.
After watching Alexander battle her way through an entire season, its hard to dispute that claim.
I’ll even say this: Kachine Alexander is currently the toughest basketball player at the University of Iowa — regardless of gender.
Furthermore, Alexander deserves consideration for a spot on this year’s All-American team. Whether she is selected or not, she’s already left an indelible mark on the Iowa program.
But as she prepares for Sunday’s championship game, postseason play, and finally, her senior year, my instincts tell me one thing.
Kach isn’t done yet.
— by Jordan Garretson
