‘I expect viewership to be through the roof’: The stars align for Iowa-LSU rematch

Iowa vs. LSU, the sequel. The two teams that duked it out for a national title last season match up again in the Elite Eight.

LSU defeated Iowa 102-85 in Dallas, and the game set a television ratings record for a women’s college basketball game, peaking at 12.6 million viewers. But the most memorable moment from that game was not a logo three — or for that matter any basketball play.

With the championship clearly in hand LSU star Angel Reese walked over to Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, and showed a finger that would soon have a piece of jewelry on it. The moment will link Clark and Reese together for the rest of their basketball careers.

“Two great players playing against each other, helping grow the game,” Reese said. “Of course I’m happy to be a part of it because we’re helping grow women’s basketball, but tomorrow’s going to be LSU versus Iowa.”

“It’s a part of the game,” LSU guard Hailey Van Lith added. “If you as a player take it so personally that you make a big deal out of it, that is saying something about you.”

Clark has been complimentary of Reese, and vice versa over the course of the season. With the history between these two, this game will likely be the most watched women’s college basketball game of all time.

“I mean, quite honestly, they did elevate the game last year,” Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder said.

“I think any time you go against somebody that’s super competitive and has that same drive, that’s what you love,” Clark said. “That’s what competitors love — these types of games is what makes our game so great. It’s what people want to turn on the TV and watch and I expect the viewership numbers to be through the roof for this.”

As for the revenge factor — the Hawkeyes admitted their memories of that game against LSU were a little distorted. Regardless, the past is the past.

“Obviously last year we came up short and that’s always that thing in the back of your mind,” Gabbie Marshall said. “I wish we could get that game back again, but the stars aligned and we’re here again in this matchup.”

“Honestly, both teams are pretty different from last year,” Clark said. “They brought in two transfers, we lost two players. We have different players playing different positions, I wouldn’t say it’s all too similar.”

“It’s two competitive teams that are playing in the Elite Eight with a chance to go to the Final Four,” Kate Martin said. “Obviously that’s all that it is at this point.”

“Two great teams that won three games to get here and now we’re here — so let’s just enjoy what it’s going to be with this year’s models of both teams,” Iowa associate head coach Jan Jensen said.

For more Hawkeyes coverage, follow @BlakeHornTV and @HawkeyeHQ on Twitter and Facebook. You can find Hawkeye Headquarters at HawkeyeHQ.com all season.

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