Women’s March Madness Breaks Records. Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese Shine in Historic Game Between Iowa and LSU. The April 1st game was no joke, as it drew in a whopping 12.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen. This makes it one of the most watched sporting events of the year, surpassing many major men’s sports games. But what makes this game so special?
For starters, Caitlyn Clark of Iowa put on an impressive performance, dishing out 12 assists and seven rebounds, playing the entire forty minutes and finishing with a remarkable 41 points. But she wasn’t the only star on the court, as Angel Reese of LSU also showed off her skills, finishing with 17 points and an impressive 20 rebounds.
An intense and thrilling game.
It was an intense and thrilling game between Iowa and LSU; it lived up to the hype. It felt as if Fans and non-fans alike flocked to the theater to watch a newly released action movie that had everyone on the edge of their seats. But for those who didn’t come prepared with snacks they may have missed crucial moments while trying to grab a bite during the intense game. Iowa had a strong shooting percentage of 46.4%, including 13 out of 31 from 3-point range at about 41.9%. However, LSU’s impressive offensive rebounding game kept them in the running, with 23 offensive rebounds compared to Iowa’s 6, making for an intense and close game in the first and second quarters. Overall, both teams were tied at 45-45 at halftime, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats for the rest of the game.
Dominate Shooting was key
Caitlyn Clark’s dominant shooting performance, including nine made 3-pointers, was expected given her long-range capabilities. However, her 12 assists were the true game-changer as she effectively got her teammates involved. Despite the defeat, LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson, who had been averaging 19 points per game in the tournament, continued to impress with 23 points. Angel Reese also stood out with her impressive rebounding abilities, averaging 18 points and 13.4 rebounds per game in the season and recording a remarkable 17 points and 20 rebounds in the elite game. The entire team, both starters and bench players, played crucial roles in the game, and their contributions were evident in the final outcome despite the win or the loss.
This game was not only a showcase of exceptional talent, but it also highlighted the growing popularity of women’s basketball. According to ESPN, the USC-UConn game drew in 6.7 million viewers, the South Carolina-Oregon State game had 2.5 million, and the LSU-UCLA game had 3.8 million. These numbers are a true testament to the growing interest and support for women’s sports.
Highest viewership in 41 years.
In fact, this is the first time since the 1983 championship between USC’s Cheryl Miller and Louisiana Tech’s current coach Kim Mulkey that a women’s game has drawn in such high viewership. And it’s not just one game that’s breaking records, as Iowa’s four tournament games this year have averaged about 6.8 million views, according to ESPN.
But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the impact. This year’s women’s March Madness viewership has increased by an incredible 127%, showing that more and more people are tuning in to support and celebrate women in sports. And with games like the one between Iowa and LSU, it’s no surprise that women’s basketball is gaining the recognition and popularity it deserves.
So, let’s continue to support and celebrate these talented athletes and show that women’s sports are just as exciting and entertaining as men’s. Because when it comes to breaking records and making history, women are not to be underestimated.
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.
