LSU star Angel Reese and Iowa star Caitlin Clark exchanged a hug and some kind words following the Hawkeyes' 94-87 win over the Tigers in the women's NCAA tournament Elite Eight on Monday in Albany, N.Y.
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Clark scored 41 points, passed for 12 assists and grabbed seven rebounds as Iowa avenged a loss in last season's title game.
In that game, Reese taunted Clark and the Hawkeyes near the end. But both Reese and Clark have said it was nothing personal, with each just brushing it off as a competitive nature.
This time, there was no taunting, only an embrace after the game.
"She just told me, 'Continue to be a great player,'" Reese said during her postgame press conference. "And I told her, 'Continue to be a great player, as well, and keep elevating the game and go win it.'"
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese showing each other respect after the game 🤝
📽️: @espn pic.twitter.com/cPWTBJUhf5
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) April 2, 2024
No matter how you spin it, Reese and Clark helped elevate the women's game with their rivalry, which will surely continue on to the WNBA. They will be forever linked, much in the same manner that Magic Johnson and Larry Bird always were.
Reese admitted as much before the game.
"I don't think people realize it's not personal," Reese told reporters before the game. " Once we get out from between those lines, if I see you walking down the street, it's like, 'Hey, girl, what's up? let's hang out.' 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."
Meanwhile, LSU coach Kim Mulkey said she told Clark that she's just happy Clark is moving on to the WNBA after the season. (Or more specifically, the Indiana Fever, who have the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft.)
"I sure am glad you're leaving," Mulkey told reporters is what she said to Clark.
Iowa advances to face UConn in the women's Final Four on Friday in Cleveland.
