The rematch 12 months in the making finally goes down on Monday night when top-seeded Iowa takes on No. 3 seed LSU in the Elite Eight in Albany, N.Y.
LSU is the defending champion but enters the rematch of last year’s title game as a 2.5-point underdog.
The Tigers (31-5) have kept their dreams of a repeat alive during a 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament in which they have dealt with the constant distraction of a controversial report about Kim Mulkey’s coaching style. Meanwhile, Iowa (32-4) has cruised through the first three rounds undeterred by the immense spotlight on star Caitlin Clark.
TRENDING
Iowa opened as a 1.5-point favorite at BetMGM, but the line shifted a full point with the Hawkeyes backed by 76 percent of the spread-line money. However, the moneyline action has been nearly split, with LSU supported by 51 percent of the money at +105 compared to 49 percent for Iowa at -130.
The Under at 167.5 points has been one of the most popular props, drawing 74 percent of the total bets and 79 percent of the money wagered.
PROP PICK
Caitlin Clark Under 32.5 Points (-105 at DraftKings): Clark is averaging 31.7 points per game and enters with 46 consecutive games scoring at least 20. However, she has not topped 32 points through the first three tournament games while averaging 29.3 and shooting just 32.3 percent from behind the arc. Iowa needs Clark to be great Monday night, but the Over on 32.5 against a powerhouse opponent is a big ask.
THE NEWS
LSU won the title game 102-85 last year, with Angel Reese posting a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in that contest.
She also made waves by pointing her finger at Clark and mimicking pro wrestler John Cena’s “You can’t see me” hand gesture as the game concluded.
Reese and Clark, who had made the same gesture at opponents in earlier games, became a hot topic in national discourse over their perceived rivalry and relationship.
“There’s definitely that competitive fire,” Clark said. “Both of us want to win more than anything, and that’s how it should be when you’re a competitor and you get into a situation like this, whether it was the national championship, whether it’s the Elite Eight.
“I think that’s the main similarity is how competitive we are. We both grew up loving this game, and we’re going to do anything we can to help our teams win.”
The championship was the most-viewed NCAA women’s basketball game on record with 9.9 million viewers on ABC and ESPN2. Monday’s region final, which is on ESPN, has again turned attention to these players.
“Anytime you have a chance to go up against somebody you lost to, it brings a little more energy,” Clark said. “I think overall, it’s just going to be a really great game for women’s basketball.”
Reese, who is averaging 18.7 points and 13.2 rebounds a game, is relying on a significantly different supporting cast following the departure of last year’s top three leading scorers for the Tigers in LaDazhia Williams, Jasmine Carson and Alexis Morris. They have been replaced by Aneesah Morrow (16.5 points per game), Mikaylah Williams (14.4) and Hailey Van Lith (11.7).
“I just think they shoot the 3-ball; they rebound so well,” Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said. “You’ve got five people averaging in double figures. That’s really hard to guard when you have that kind of balance.”
Clark’s supporting cast includes Hannah Stuelke (14.0 ppg), who replaced last year’s second leading scorer in Monika Czinano, along with Gabbie Marshall (6.2) and Kate Martin (12.8). However, Molly Davis has been out since March 3 due to a knee injury and isn’t expected to play Monday.
KEY STAT
Clark enters the rematch having scored a record 3,859 points in her standout career and is coming off a 29-point effort in Iowa’s 89-68 win over Colorado on Saturday.
THEY SAID IT
“I think people just take it like we hate each other. Me and Caitlin Clark don’t hate each other. I want everybody to understand that. It’s just a super-competitive game. Once I get between those lines, there’s no friends. I’m going to talk trash to you. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get in your head the whole entire game, but after the game, we can kick it. I don’t think people really realize that.” –Reese, who said Sunday that there is no personal animosity with Clark.
–Field Level Media