Caitlin Clark showcased her exceptional talent once again as she led the Iowa Hawkeyes to a thrilling 94-87 victory over the LSU Tigers in the Albany 2 Region final of the NCAA Tournament. With 41 points and 12 assists, Clark propelled the top-seeded Hawkeyes to the Final Four, avenging their defeat to LSU in the 2023 national final.
In a highly anticipated rematch, both teams delivered standout performances, but it was Clark’s brilliance that ultimately secured the victory for Iowa. Despite the tenacious defense from LSU, Clark’s offensive prowess and playmaking abilities proved too much to handle.
The game was marked by frenetic energy from the start, with Iowa’s high-scoring offense pitted against LSU’s formidable defense. With a capacity crowd in Albany rallying behind them, the Hawkeyes surged ahead early, with Clark leading the charge with five quick points.
However, LSU fought back ferociously, led by Angel Reese’s stellar performance, closing the first quarter with a 10-0 run to take a 31-26 lead. The game remained closely contested throughout, with both teams trading blows in a display of offensive firepower.
Clark’s dominance was on full display in the third quarter, as she poured in 12 points to propel Iowa to a commanding 69-58 lead heading into the final period. Her record-breaking performance, including her seventh three-pointer of the game, solidified her status as one of the greatest scorers in NCAA history.
Despite LSU’s valiant effort on the boards and in the paint, outrebounding Iowa 54-36 and scoring 44 points inside, Clark’s brilliance proved insurmountable. Her nine three-pointers tied a Women’s NCAA Tournament record, while her 40-plus points and 10 assists marked only the second such performance in tournament history.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey commended Clark’s exceptional talent, acknowledging her as a “generational player” who elevates the game of everyone around her. As Clark looks ahead to the 2024 WNBA Draft, Mulkey bid farewell with admiration, recognizing her impact on the college basketball landscape.
With the victory, Iowa advances to the Final Four to face off against third-seeded UConn, setting the stage for another thrilling showdown as Clark and the Hawkeyes continue their pursuit of a national championship. As they prepare for the next challenge, Clark’s remarkable performance serves as a testament to her unrivaled skill and determination on the court.
