The re-match we all have been waiting for is finally around the corner between Iowa and LSU. Both teams will face off in the elite eight to advance to the final four. In 2023, the LSU women’s basketball team made history by defeating Iowa 102-85 in the National Championship game to claim their first title. It was a thrilling game, with LSU scoring more points than Iowa despite the remarkable performance of Caitlyn Clark.
The game was also the most-watched women’s college basketball game in history, with a peak of 12.6 million viewers. However, a lot has changed since that game, and the two teams will not be meeting in the title game this year. Instead, they will face each other in the Elite Eight with a chance to return to the Final Four for the second straight season.
LSU managed to out-rebound Iowa in their last match-up while forcing them to turn the ball over 16 times. This time, however, LSU will have to rely on their strong defense again, especially after securing a win against UCLA with only 1:46 left on the clock. On the other hand, Iowa struggled offensively against West Virginia but bounced back against Colorado, with all five starters scoring in double figures.
They also held Colorado to only 68 points defensively. Iowa’s Clark proved to be a key player in their last game, with 15 assists, showing the importance of involving other teammates and not relying too heavily on 3-pointers. Rebounding will also be a crucial aspect for Iowa, as LSU has shown to be better in this area.
Both teams are eager for this rematch, as it holds a special significance. Iowa’s coach has stated that everyone is excited for the opportunity to face LSU again. At the same time, Clark has expressed her excitement, saying that playing against the team that beat them in the title game is a different kind of energy.
This year, Iowa holds the #1 seed and is coming off their third straight Big Ten conference title win. On the other hand, LSU is looking to continue its success story from 2023, when it not only advanced to the Final Four but also claimed the National Championship title. It was a long-awaited victory for LSU, who had made it to the Final Four several times before but never came out on top.
For both teams, this game holds the potential for redemption and the chance to make their mark on the national stage again. It will be a thrilling and intense re-matchup, and for the fans of women’s college basketball, this game will not be missed.
In the end, Clark’s final season for Iowa is a momentous one as she hopes to lead her team to the final four, the championship game, and ultimately bring home a title for her university and her home state, despite having the opportunity to play for any program in the country but choosing to stay loyal to her hometown team.
WRITER: Okon Ekpenyong
Photo credits LSU Tigers and Iowa Hawkeyes
Okon Ekpenyong is a multi-talented writer, journalist, and entrepreneur.
He regularly contributes to the New Americans magazine and covers college basketball for Sportzkelz media. In addition, he is the founder of Okiethedreamer Productions, a company that promotes new Americans and local businesses through community writing and referrals.
With his diverse skills and passions, Okon is dedicated to uplifting and showcasing the voices and stories of marginalized communities.
