The powers that may be revolving around Women’s College Basketball have to be thrilled at how Saturday turned out. In the first Sweet 16 contest in Albany, LSU bested UCLA by a score of 78-69 in what was a highly-competitive yet choppy affair. In the second game, Iowa thrashed Colorado by a score of 89-68.
The rematch between LSU and Iowa went from being a dream to reality in just a short few hours. While this game won’t determine who will win the 2024 NCAA National Championship, it for all intents and purposes will be the most highly-anticipated game the tournament could’ve possibly offered.
Heck — it might be the most highly-anticipated game in the history of the sport. As one recalls, LSU beat Iowa in last year’s National Championship Game by a score of 102-85. A triumphant Angel Reese led the Tigers with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Her ability to control the paint was too much for the Hawkeyes and the biggest phenom in recent memory, Caitlin Clark. Now, Clark gets the chance to exact revenge on a team that wasn’t subtle in celebrating right in Clark’s face.
All season long, we’ve been treated to ‘The Clark Show’ — where the dynamic shooter has done her best Steph Curry impression game after game. She is the biggest name in College Basketball without question. If you were to ask the average person, Clark’s name would surely come up before anyone in the men’s game at this present time. She’s box-office good — and will be undoubtedly the No. 1 Overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft. When you’re offered $5 million to play in the BIG3 as a college player, you’re doing something right.
While Iowa would love to send LSU packing, the Tigers do have some momentum, too. Their embattled head coach Kim Mulkey has dealt with several editorials questioning her integrity. Iowa and Clark will be the de facto favorite for pretty much anyone outside of the state of Louisiana…and that’s how the Tigers like it. Aside from Reese, LSU fields an immensely talented team led by freshman Mikaylah Williams transfers Hailey Van Lith and Aneesah Morrow, and all-everything guard Flau’Jae Johnson.
Iowa’s win over the Buffaloes included five players notching double-digit scoring totals. While Clark draws all of the attention, Iowa is a veteran team with more experience in the tournament than any team in the field. The storylines surrounding this game are immense, and the hype will be palpable.
Monday, April 1st at 7:00 p.m. ET simply cannot come soon enough.
