Albany, New York – The highly anticipated Elite Eight matchup between LSU and Iowa on April 1st was a showcase of the intensely competitive yet respectful rivalry between two of women’s college basketball’s biggest stars – Angel Reese of LSU and Caitlin Clark of Iowa. As the final buzzer sounded with Iowa winning 94-87 to advance to the Final Four, fans witnessed a revealing moment of sportsmanship between the two players.
In the handshake line after the game, Reese and Clark embraced, with Reese whispering something into Clark’s ear. The murmur caught the attention of the ESPN broadcasting crew, leaving viewers curious about their exchange.
At the postgame press conference, a visibly emotional Reese opened up about what was said between her and Clark in that moment. “She just told me, ‘Continue to be a great player,'” Reese explained. “And I told her, ‘Continue to be a great player, as well, and keep elevating the game and go win it.'”
This interaction underscored the immense mutual respect between Reese and Clark, whose on-court rivalry has often been portrayed as intensely personal. However, both players have consistently maintained that there is no animosity, only a fierce competitive drive.
The Seeds of an Iconic Rivalry
The Reese-Clark rivalry took root during last year’s NCAA championship game, where Reese’s LSU squad defeated Clark’s Iowa team 102-85. In a moment that went viral, Reese celebrated by waving her hand dismissively in front of Clark’s face, mimicking the famous “you can’t see me” gesture.
This showmanship drew heavy criticism from many who felt Reese had been disrespectful. However, Clark herself defended Reese, understanding the emotional intensity of the moment. “Nobody has more fun playing basketball than AngelReese,” Clark said at the time.
As this season progressed and Clark shattered scoring records, Reese continued to voice her support for her rival’s accomplishments. “I’m a C.Clark fan, periodt!” Reese tweeted after Clark became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer.
A Rivalry Fueling Women’s Basketball
In the days leading up to their Elite Eight matchup, both Reese and Clark downplayed any notion of personal animosity, instead framing their rivalry as a competitive drive that is helping elevate women’s basketball.
“I don’t think people realize it’s not personal,” Reese stated. “Once we get out between those lines, if I see you walking down the street, it’s like, ‘Hey, girl, what’s up? Let’s hang out.'”
Clark echoed a similar sentiment: “There’s a great amount of respect between Angel and I. We’re pushing each other to be better players and growing this game.”
Their on-court battle in the Elite Eight lived up to the hype, with Clark pouring in 41 points and Reese nearly notching another 20-20 game before fouling out. While Iowa prevailed, the world got to witness two generational talents leaving it all on the floor.
The Bigger Picture
As the WNBA draft approaches on April 15th, both Reese and Clark are expected to be selected in the first round, with Clark being the probable #1 overall pick. Their professional careers will continue to be intertwined as they join the ranks of the WNBA.
More importantly though, their iconic rivalry and sportsmanlike display after the Elite Eight game have shone a bright spotlight on the rising popularity of women’s basketball. Fans across the globe have become invested in their compelling journeys and the back-and-forth narrative between the two stars.
“This is about way more than Angel and I,” Clark reflected. “If this rivalry is what gets more eyes on the game and inspires the next generation, then I’ll put on one heck of a show every night.”
Reese echoed those sentiments: “You either like how we’re growing the game or you don’t. But we’re just getting started.”
As Clark and Iowa prepare for the Final Four, and Reese weighs her decision to return to LSU or turn pro, one thing is clear – their rivalry has transcended the basketball court. Their competitiveness yet mutual respect and sportsmanship have embodied the spirit of the game itself. And if their Elite Eight embrace was any indication, we are witnessing the blossoming of an iconic legacy that will influence women’s basketball for years to come.
