The crowd at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City erupts in the final moments of the Women’s NCAA basketball Final Four during an April 5 watch party as the University of Iowa Hawkeyes win over UConn, 71-69. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Fans rode a roller coaster of emotions as the University Iowa Women’s basketball team squeaked out a win in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament.

Thousands cheered on the Hawkeyes from Carver-Hawkeye Arena during an April 5 watch party as the team beat the University of Connecticut 71-69 on the court in Cleveland, Ohio.

Fans in Iowa City viewed the game on the big screen during the free event, groaning as star Caitlin Clark was held to just six points in the first half, then celebrating as the Hawkeyes held on in the final seconds of the game to win.

The University of Iowa will host another watch party at the arena as the Hawkeyes take on South Carolina in the championship game Sunday, April 7. Doors open at 1 p.m., with the game at 2 p.m.

See more photos from the watch party, below: