In a game that feels like a whole lot more than a Final Four spot is on the line, LSU came out a bit flat. Iowa enjoyed the opening few minutes and head coach Kim Mulkey felt the need to call a timeout down eight points. Mulkey apparently did not do much of the talking, though.
Instead, she deferred over to Angel Reese who gave her thoughts on the start. ESPN’s Holly Rowe said Reese was speaking passionately about the early play, specifically the shot selection. Reese wanted to get the ball down low and get some easy buckets to calm down the rhythm.
“Iowa got out to an early start and LSU called that timeout,” Rowe said. “It was 17-9 and Angel Reese was very strong in her communication. ‘Stop taking dumb shots.’ She did not like the shot selection.
“Since that timeout and that emotional outburst, she’s gotten what she’s wanted… Very clear communication from their leader that they listen to. And they have responded.”
Rowe is right, LSU has responded in an incredible way. The first 10 minutes of the game are up and the Tigers will head into the second quarter with a five-point lead. Not too many people can get an inspired reaction out of their teammates on the sport’s biggest stage like Reese.
Holly Rowe explains rivalry between Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese
The best rivalry in women’s college basketball came to life during last year’s national championship. Reese and Caitlin Clark of Iowa sparked quite a controversy online last season amidst the Tigers cutting down the nets for the first time in program history. And while it’s easy to believe two rivals and not fans of one another, Clark and Reese actually have a good relationship.
Rowe further explained the rivalry, saying everything between Clark and Reese comes on the court. Both want to win at any cost and for 40 minutes, they are not friends.
However, when Iowa and LSU are not playing one another, Reese cheers for Clark and vice versa. The latest example was when Clark broke the NCAA scoring record despite surpassing an LSU men’s player.
“Angel Reese made it clear this week,” Rowe said during a pregame report. “She and Caitlin Clark do not hate each other. They’ve actually supported each other from afar. Angel sent out a great tweet when Caitlin broke the all-time scoring record. Caitlin has said ‘I think Angel is great.’
“They are just so fiery that when they step between the lines, there’s no friends. Two unapologetically, fiery young women facing off, both with something on the line.”
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