Caitlin Clark is 'lucky this UConn team isn't healthy,' says Molly Qerim ahead of Final Four showdown, as the ESPN host claims she doesn't 'know if we'd be talking about' the Iowa star if Paige Bueckers didn't miss two seasons

ESPN's Molly Qerim believes that Caitlin Clark is fortunate the UConn Huskies are dealing with injuries ahead of Friday's Final Four game against Iowa.

After a 41-point effort from Clark led the Hawkeyes past Angel Reese and LSU on Monday, the sharpshooter will face Paige Bueckers and the Huskies for a spot in the national championship game.

On Thursday, the First Take host and proud UConn alumna confidently delivered her thoughts on ESPN's desk with Stephen A. Smith and Monica McNutt.

'All I gotta say is she's lucky this UConn team isn't healthy, and that's a true statement,' Qerim said.

'If Paige Bueckers didn't basically miss two seasons, I don't know if we'd be talking about Caitlin Clark the way we are right now. That's facts, Stephen A.,' she continued.

Molly Qerim believes Caitlin Clark is fortunate the UConn Huskies are not completely healthy

Despite having star Paige Bueckers, UConn are missing Azzi Fudd and Aubrey Griffin

Clark clocked in a 41-point performance against LSU to advance to the Final Four 

Bueckers had a breakthrough freshman season in 2020-21, earning player of the year honors. Unfortunately, she suffered consecutively knee injuries and underwent two surgeries, limiting her play over the last two years.

This season, Bueckers came back healthy as UConn looks to return to their championship-winning ways. However, her teammates Azzi Fudd and Aubrey Griffin both suffered season-ending injuries.

Nevertheless, UConn punched a ticket to the Final Four by overcoming JuJu Watkins and the USC Trojans, 80-73. Bueckers played all 40 minutes and clocked in a double-double with 28 points and 10 rebounds.

On the other hand, Clark's star has shined its brightest in her final year with the Hawkeyes.

Before the NCAA tournament, Clark averaged 31.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game as a senior and will likely be the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever in April's WNBA Draft.

Another highlight from her season was when Clark broke Pete Maravich's all-time NCAA scoring record on March 3. In a game against Ohio State, Clark surpassed Pistol Pete's 3,667 career points by reaching 3,685.

Iowa and UConn will tip off at 9.30 PM ET on Friday.