Despite the anticipation of a grudge match, the Elite Eight showdown between Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese in the 2024 NCAA women’s tournament was characterized by nothing but mutual respect and admiration.
Following Iowa’s hard-fought 94-87 victory, Clark and Reese embraced, showcasing the bond between them:
Dr. Lindsey Darvin @DrLindseyDarvin Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark demonstrate profound respect for each other. Their competitive spirit elevates the game.
A lot of respect between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Fierce competitors. Theyโve made the game better. pic.twitter.com/zpgYGytzMk
— Dr. Lindsey Darvin (@DrLindseyDarvin) April 2, 2024
Despite LSU’s national title win last year against Iowa, they found themselves at a loss against Clark’s extraordinary performance in this rematch. Clark dominated the court, amassing an impressive 41 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds, two steals, and one block, including nine successful three-pointers.
Although the game was tied at halftime, Clark’s remarkable display in the third quarter, marked by four deep three-pointers, secured a lead that Iowa never relinquished.
The post-game moment shared between the two athletes wasn’t unexpected, given their history of supporting each other. Even after Reese playfully taunted Clark last year with gestures about her championship ring, Clark responded with understanding and support:
ESPN @espn “I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all.”
Caitlin Clark voiced her belief that Angel Reese faced undue backlash for her celebrations during the championship game. (via @OTLonESPN)
"I don't think Angel should be criticized at all."
Caitlin Clark said she thought Angel Reese received too much backlash for her celebrations during the championship game. (via @OTLonESPN) pic.twitter.com/i8tZyO8bai
— ESPN (@espn) April 4, 2023
In turn, Reese reciprocated the support after Clark shattered the NCAA Division I women’s basketball scoring record this season:
Angel Reese @Reese10Angel Congratulations @CaitlinClark22 KEEP BREAKING RECORDS & MAKING HER-STORY! ๐ค๐๐ฅ
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ป. ๐๐ถ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ.@CaitlinClark22 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/vlwkxH959k
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) February 16, 2024
Ultimately, it’s Clark and the Hawkeyes who advance after their outstanding performance, but any rivalry between these two stars seems confined solely to the basketball court.
