Iowa guard Caitlin Clark scores 41 points, leads Hawkeyes to Elite Eight win

The Showdown Between Iowa and LSU in the Elite Eight

On Monday, in a thrilling matchup, Iowa guard Caitlin Clark showcased her three-point shooting prowess by sinking nine 3-pointers, contributing to the Hawkeyes' 94-87 victory over the LSU Tigers. Clark's remarkable performance yielded 41 points, although she recalls celebrating only one of her successful shots. Reflecting on her emotional outburst, she remarked, "I think I just got hyped for a second. I was trying to be pretty calm and cool. Like, when you're playing a team like LSU, they're never out of the game ... and that's exactly what they did. But sometimes you get a little hype for yourself and you do things that you don't even realize you're doing. I think that was the only three I celebrated."

A Tame yet Intense Matchup

Despite expectations of intense trash talk between Clark and LSU forward Angel Reese, the game transpired relatively subdued. Reese revealed that the officials had cautioned the players before the game, stating that technical fouls would be enforced for engaging in trash talk. On the other hand, Iowa coach Lisa Bluder expressed unawareness of any directives concerning trash talk. The game, whether due to officiating or the urgency of the situation, showcased the impressive skills of both Reese, who secured 20 rebounds, and Clark, who not only scored 41 points but also provided 12 assists.

Overpowering Performance by the Hawkeyes

Iowa's victory can be attributed to their strategic approach, as they swiftly established an eight-point lead within the first three minutes of the game, setting the tone for their dominance. Despite LSU managing to draw level with Iowa at halftime and even outscoring them in the final 10 minutes, the Hawkeyes' strong performance in the third quarter, including an eight-point scoring run, proved insurmountable for the Tigers. Bluder's tactical insight into the necessity of getting Clark moving downhill to break down the opponent's defense was a crucial factor in Iowa's success. Clark's ability to keep the LSU defense on edge effectively opened up the court for her teammates, with Kate Martin and Sydney Affolter notably contributing 21 and 16 points, respectively, during the game's pivotal third quarter. With Iowa setting the tempo, LSU sought to capitalize on their advantage in the paint, outrebounding the Hawkeyes 23-6 on the offensive boards and dominating the paint at 44-to-36. However, Reese's ankle injury and subsequent fouling out in the fourth quarter may have impacted the Tigers' game plan.

Anticipation for Future Showdowns

Undoubtedly, the rematch between LSU and Iowa delivered an exhilarating game, leaving viewers eager for potential future encounters between the two teams. The prospects of another showdown between Clark and Reese hold the promise of further increasing viewership numbers. LSU coach Mulkey expressed her enthusiasm for the thriving state of women's basketball, underscoring the significance of the game and its potential for even greater excitement had it taken place at the Final Four.