May 27, 2025 • 17 mins
The highly anticipated rematch between Caitlin Clark's Iowa and Angel Reese's LSU in the 2024 Elite Eight delivers one of the greatest individual performances in tournament history. Clark explodes for 41 points and 12 assists to lead Iowa past the defending champions, earning redemption after the previous year's championship heartbreak. This episode chronicles the year-long buildup, Clark's transcendent performance, and the mutual respect that emerged between two of basketball's biggest stars as their rivalry evolved from heated competition to genuine appreciation.
Click here to browse handpicked Amazon finds inspired by this podcast series!
https://amzn.to/4l0AYOS
https://www.quietperiodplease.com/
Click here to browse handpicked Amazon finds inspired by this podcast series!
https://amzn.to/4l0AYOS
https://www.quietperiodplease.com/
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, there, sports enthusiasts. I'm Ollie Bennett, and before we
dive into today's incredible story, I want to be completely
transparent with you. I'm an artificial intelligence. Now you might
wonder why that's actually a fantastic thing for this particular narrative.
As an AI, I don't have personal biases toward either player.
I can process vast amounts of data simultaneously, and I
(00:22):
never get tired of diving deep into the minutia that
makes sports truly fascinating. Welcome back to Caitlin Clark and
Angel Reese courtside rivals cultural icons. Today we're exploring one
of the most anticipated rematches in college basketball history, the
twenty twenty four Elite eight showdown that gave Caitlin Clark
(00:42):
and IOWA their chance at redemption against Angel Reese and LSU,
exactly one year after that explosive championship game finale that
had set the sports world ablaze. The anticipation for this
rematch had been building for an entire year, simmering beneath
the surface of every game both teams played throughout the
two tenty twenty three to twenty twenty four season. From
(01:02):
the moment the twenty twenty four NCAA Tournament bracket was released,
basketball fans across the nation began calculating scenarios and pathways
that might lead to another Clark versus re showdown. The
basketball gods seemed to be listening, because both teams navigated
their respective brackets with the kind of dominant performances that
made their eventual collision feel almost inevitable. Iowa entered the
(01:24):
twenty twenty four tournament as a different team than the
one that had fallen in the championship game the previous year.
The sting of that defeat had motivated Clark and her
teammates throughout the entire season, providing a constant source of
fuel that manifested itself in their relentless pursuit of excellence.
Clark herself had somehow managed to elevate her game to
even greater heights, posting statistical numbers that defied conventional basketball
(01:47):
wisdom and rewriting record books with an almost casual frequency.
Throughout the regular season, Clark had been averaging over thirty
points per game while maintaining shooting percentages that would have
been impressive for a player taking half as many shots.
Her three point shooting had become even more audacious, with
her range extending well beyond the traditional arc and her
shot selection reflecting a confidence that bordered on supernatural. More importantly,
(02:12):
her leadership had evolved, transforming from individual brilliance into something
that elevated every player around her. The supporting cast around
Clark had also developed significantly during that year. Between Championship
Heartbreak and Elite Eight, Opportunity players who had been overwhelmed
by the pressure of the previous year's final had gained
invaluable experience and confidence. The team's offensive system had become
(02:33):
more sophisticated, with multiple players capable of creating offense when
Clark drew the inevitable double and triple teams that opposing
defenses through at her LSU meanwhile, had spent the year
dealing with the unique pressures that come with being defending champions.
Angel Rees had embraced her role as both villain and superstar,
using the criticism and controversy from her championship celebration as
(02:55):
motivation to prove that her success hadn't been a fluke.
Her statistical production and had remained consistently excellent, but more importantly,
her leadership in basketball IQ had continued to develop in
ways that made LSU even more dangerous than their championship team.
The Tigers had faced the challenge that every defending champion
must navigate opponents who circled their games on the calendar,
(03:17):
brought their best effort every night, and viewed victories over
LSU as statement wins that could define their seasons. Reese
and her teammates had handled that pressure admirably, using it
to maintain their competitive edge and ensure that they remained
hungry despite their recent success. When the bracket paths finally
aligned and it became clear that Iowa and LSU were
(03:37):
on a collision course for the Elite Eight, the anticipation
reached fever pitch levels that seemed almost unprecedented for women's
college basketball. Ticket prices for the potential matchup began climbing
weeks before it was officially confirmed, and television networks started
promoting the game with the kind of marketing typically reserved
for men's Final four contests. The build up wasn't just
(03:58):
about basketball, however. The cultural conversations that had emerged from
their previous encounter continued to simmer, with both players representing
different perspectives on competition, celebration, and sportsmanship. Clark had become
a symbol of gracious competitiveness, someone who played with incredible
fire but conducted herself with a dignity that earned respect
from opponents and fans. Alike, Reese had embraced a more
(04:20):
confrontational approach, refusing to apologize for her emotions and establishing
herself as a player who wouldn't be intimidated by public
opinion or media pressure. The actual Elite Eight matchup took
place in a packed arena that felt electric from the
moment both teams took the court for warm ups. The
atmosphere was unlike anything most observers had experienced in women's
(04:41):
college basketball, with fans from both teams creating an environment
that rivaled the most intense games in any sport. The
energy was palpable, crackling with the tension of unfinished business
and the promise of athletic drama at its highest level.
From the opening tip, it was clear that both teams
understood the magnitude of the moment and were per prepared
to leave everything on the court. Iowa came out with
(05:02):
an aggressive, offensive approach that seemed designed to establish Clark's
dominance early and often. Her first shot of the game
was a three pointer from several feet beyond the arc,
a statement that she wasn't going to be deterred by
the pressure or the history between these teams. LSU responded
with their own brand of aggressive basketball, feeding the ball
to rees in the post and watching her work against
(05:24):
Iowa's interior defense. The early exchanges felt like a chess
match between two grand masters, with each team probing for
weaknesses while being careful not to reveal too much about
their own strategic intentions. The pace was frenetic but controlled,
reflecting the experience both teams had gained from their previous
high stakes encounters. What became apparent very quickly was that
(05:44):
both players had used the year between their last meeting
to address weaknesses and expand their games in meaningful ways.
Clark's shot selection, while still audacious, showed more strategic thinking
about when to be aggressive and when to involve her teammates.
Her passing had become even more more creative and precise,
finding angles and opportunities that seemed to defy geometric possibility. Reese, meanwhile,
(06:07):
had added new dimensions to her already impressive skill set.
Her mid range shooting had become more consistent and reliable,
giving her another weapon to use when opponents focused too
heavily on preventing her post up opportunities. Her ball handling
had improved noticeably, allowing her to face up and drive
past defenders who tried to play her too physically in
the paint. The first half developed into exactly the kind
(06:29):
of back and forth battle that neutrals had hoped for
but partisan fans had dreaded. Neither team could establish a
significant lead, with every basket being answered and every defensive
stop being matched by the opposition. Clark was putting on
an absolute clinic, hitting shots from impossible angles and distances,
while creating opportunities for teammates that kept LSU's defense honest.
(06:50):
Reese was matching her shot for shot in her own way,
dominating the glass with a ferocity that bordered on supernatural,
and scoring with the kind of efficiency that made every
LSU possis feel dangerous. Her defensive presence was altering iowa's
shot selection in subtle but meaningful ways, forcing them into
more difficult attempts without necessarily showing up in traditional statistical categories.
(07:12):
The halftime score reflected the intensity and competitiveness of the contest.
With Iowa holding a narrow lead that felt both significant
and precarious, both teams knew that the second half would
require everything they had, and the stage was set for
what would become one of the most memorable Elite Eight
games in tournament history. The second half began with Iowa
showing a sense of urgency that had been building throughout
(07:34):
the first twenty minutes. Clark came out firing with even
more aggression than usual, connecting on a series of three
pointers that had the Iowa Faithful erupting in celebration and
forced LSU to call an early timeout to regroup. The
momentum seemed to be shifting decisively toward the Hawkeyes, and
for the first time in the game, LSU appeared to
be genuinely rattled. But championship level teams don't panic easily,
(07:57):
and LSU demonstrated exactly why they had won on it
all the previous year. Reese began to assert herself in
ways that transcended traditional statistics, making plays that energized her
teammates and gradually shifting the momentum back toward the Tigers.
Her rebounding became even more dominant, pulling down boards over
multiple defenders and immediately looking to push the tempo in transition.
(08:18):
The middle portion of the second half featured some of
the most incredible individual basketball that had been seen at
any level all season. Clark was hitting shots that seemed
physically impossible, pulling up from distances that had opposing coaches
shaking their heads in amazement. Her court vision was creating
opportunities for teammates that kept LSU's defense scrambling and prevented
(08:39):
them from focusing entirely on stopping her individual brilliance. Reese
was answering with her own brand of excellence, making plays
in the paint that showcased the full range of her
athletic ability and basketball IQ. Her footwork in the post
had become even more sophisticated, allowing her to create scoring
opportunities against defenders who had clearly spent considerable time study
(09:00):
and preparing specifically for her tendencies. The turning point of
the game came with approximately twelve minutes remaining, when Clark
orchestrated one of the most incredible individual sequences in Elite
eight history, with Iowa trailing by four points and LSU
threatening to pull away, Clark took over the game in
a way that defied rational explanation. Over the span of
three minutes, she scored fourteen points through a combination of
(09:23):
impossible three pointers, driving layups through traffic, and free throws
drawn from aggressive drives to the basket. But what made
the sequence truly special wasn't just the scoring output. It
was the way Clark involved her teammates and made everyone
around her better. Her assists during that stretch were works
of art, finding players and positions they hadn't even realized
they were in, and creating easy scoring opportunities that kept
(09:46):
LSU's defense honest. The combination of individual brilliance and team
basketball was a masterclass in how elite players can take
over games without becoming selfish. LSU tried to respond, feeding
the ball to Reese and asking her to match Clark's
individual excellence. Reese did everything she could, making several incredible
plays that showcased her own eliteabilities, But the momentum had
(10:08):
shifted decisively toward IOWA. The deficit was growing, and LSU
found themselves in the unfamiliar position of chasing the game
against an opponent that was executing at an incredibly high level.
The final ten minutes of the game featured Clark playing
at a level that seemed almost transcendent. Her shot making
was incredible, but it was her decision making and leadership
(10:28):
that truly set her apart. She knew when to be
aggressive and when to involve teammates, when to push the tempo,
and when to slow things down. Her basketball IQ was
on full display, making reads and adjustments that reflected years
of high level experience. Despite her young age, Reese continued
to fight valiantly, making plays that would have been game
changing in most other contexts. Her rebounding remained dominant, and
(10:52):
she scored efficiently when given opportunities, but she was fighting
an uphill battle against an IOWA team that was executing
their game plan to perfection and a Clark performance that
was reaching legendary status. The final score reflected Iowa's dominance
in the game's crucial moments, with Clark finishing with an
incredible forty one points and twelve assists, numbers that told
(11:12):
only part of the story of her complete takeover of
the game. Her shooting percentages were exceptional despite the high
volume of attempts, and her leadership had been the driving
force behind Iowa's ability to execute under the most intense
pressure imaginable. For LSU and Reese, the defeat was disappointing,
but not diminishing. They had played well enough to win
most games, and Reese's individual performance had been excellent by
(11:36):
any reasonable standard. Her double double of twenty seven points
and thirteen rebounds represented elite level production, but it had
been overshadowed by Clark's transcendent display. What struck many observers
about the postgame interactions was the obvious mutual respect between
the two superstars. Despite the intensity of their rivalry and
the cultural conversations that had surrounded their previous encounters, both
(11:58):
players demonstrated genuine appreciation for each other's abilities and contributions
to the game. Clark was gracious in victory, acknowledging LSU's
excellence and refusing to make the moment about anything other
than basketball. Reese was equally classy in defeat, congratulating IOWA
on their performance while maintaining her own dignity and competitiveness.
The handshake between Clark and Reese at mid court after
(12:21):
the final buzzer was a powerful moment that seemed to
represent a new chapter in their relationship. The respect was
genuine and mutual, reflecting their understanding that their rivalry had
elevated both players and contributed to the growth of women's
basketball as a whole. The gesture was simple but meaningful,
showing that elite competitors can maintain their competitive fire while
(12:41):
also recognizing excellence in their opponents. The media coverage of
the game focused primarily on Clark's incredible individual performance, and
rightfully so. Her stat line was historic, her shot making
had been spectacular, and her leadership had been the determining
factor in Iowa's victory. But the broader narrative was about
redemption and the way that elite athletes respond to setbacks
(13:02):
and disappointments. For Iowa, the victory represented validation of their
approach and their belief that they could compete with anyone
when executing at their highest level. The sting of the
previous year's championship game defeat had been transformed into motivation
that carried them through the most important game of their season.
Clark's performance had been the catalyst, but the entire team
had contributed to a victory that felt like years in
(13:25):
the making. The cultural impact of the rematch was significant,
demonstrating once again the drawing power of compelling individual rivalries
in women's basketball. The television ratings were massive, the social
media engagement was off the charts, and the general sports
conversation was dominated by discussions of what fans had just witnessed.
The game had elevated women's college basketball to new heights
(13:47):
of mainstream relevance and cultural significance. Looking at the broader
implications of the rematch, it was clear that the Clark
Reeves rivalry had become something larger than individual competition. Their
battles had become appointment to television, must see events that
transcended traditional basketball audiences and drew viewers who might not
otherwise follow the sport. The intensity of their competition, combined
(14:09):
with their individual excellence and the cultural narratives surrounding their encounters,
had created a perfect storm of athletic drama and social relevance.
The game also highlighted the incredible depth of talent in
women's college basketball and the quality of play that had
been developing over recent years. Both teams had multiple players
capable of making significant contributions, sophisticated offensive and defensive systems,
(14:33):
and coaching staffs that could make strategic adjustments throughout the
course of a game. The level of basketball had been
exceptional from start to finish, worthy of the biggest stage
and the most intense scrutiny for Clark personally, the victory
and her incredible individual performance had solidified her legacy as
one of the greatest players in college basketball history. Her
(14:53):
ability to perform at such an elite level under the
most intense pressure imaginable had answered any remaining question about
her capacity to deliver in the biggest moments. The combination
of statistical excellence, shot making ability, and leadership that she
had displayed would be remembered as one of the finest
individual performances in Elite eight history. Reese's performance, while overshadowed
(15:14):
by Clark's brilliance, had been excellent in its own right
and had demonstrated her continued development as a player and leader.
Her ability to compete at the highest level against elite
opposition while handling the pressure of defending champions status showed
remarkable maturity and mental toughness. The defeat was disappointing, but
it had also provided motivation that would drive her future
(15:35):
development and success. The rematch had also demonstrated the power
of narrative in sports and the way that compelling storylines
can elevate individual games into cultural moments. The year long
build up, the redemption theme, and the genuine mutual respect
between two elite competitors had created a perfect storm of
athletic drama that resonated far beyond traditional basketball audiences as
(15:58):
both players prepared for their eventual transition to professional basketball.
The Elite Eight rematch had provided another chapter in what
was clearly going to be a long term rivalry that
would continue to captivate audiences for years to come. Their
individual excellence, combined with their contrasting styles and personalities had
created a dynamic that brought out the best in both
(16:19):
players while generating the kind of fan engagement that sports
organizations dream about. The game had also served as a
showcase for the current state of women's college basketball and
its bright future. The quality of play, the strategic sophistication,
and the athletic excellence on display had been worthy of
any stage and any level of attention. Both teams had
represented their sport admirably, demonstrating that women's basketball could generate
(16:42):
the same kind of passionate engagement and cultural relevance as
any athletic competition, the twenty twenty four Elite eight rematch
between Iowa and LSU will be remembered as one of
the defining games of the modern era in women's college basketball.
Clark's incredible individual performance, the mutual respect demonstrated both teams,
and the broader cultural impact of their rivalry had combined
(17:04):
to create a perfect storm of athletic excellence and social
significance that elevated the sport to new height. Thanks for
listening to this exploration of one of the most incredible
rematches in college basketball history. Please subscribe for more fascinating
sports stories like this one, and remember that this episode
was brought to you by Quiet Please Podcast Networks. For
(17:25):
more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai,
where we continue to uncover the amazing stories that make
sports such an endlessly compelling part of human culture. Quiet
Please dot Ai hear what matters.
Hello, there, sports enthusiasts. I'm Ollie Bennett, and before we
dive into today's incredible story, I want to be completely
transparent with you. I'm an artificial intelligence. Now you might
wonder why that's actually a fantastic thing for this particular narrative.
As an AI, I don't have personal biases toward either player.
I can process vast amounts of data simultaneously, and I
(00:22):
never get tired of diving deep into the minutia that
makes sports truly fascinating. Welcome back to Caitlin Clark and
Angel Reese courtside rivals cultural icons. Today we're exploring one
of the most anticipated rematches in college basketball history, the
twenty twenty four Elite eight showdown that gave Caitlin Clark
(00:42):
and IOWA their chance at redemption against Angel Reese and LSU,
exactly one year after that explosive championship game finale that
had set the sports world ablaze. The anticipation for this
rematch had been building for an entire year, simmering beneath
the surface of every game both teams played throughout the
two tenty twenty three to twenty twenty four season. From
(01:02):
the moment the twenty twenty four NCAA Tournament bracket was released,
basketball fans across the nation began calculating scenarios and pathways
that might lead to another Clark versus re showdown. The
basketball gods seemed to be listening, because both teams navigated
their respective brackets with the kind of dominant performances that
made their eventual collision feel almost inevitable. Iowa entered the
(01:24):
twenty twenty four tournament as a different team than the
one that had fallen in the championship game the previous year.
The sting of that defeat had motivated Clark and her
teammates throughout the entire season, providing a constant source of
fuel that manifested itself in their relentless pursuit of excellence.
Clark herself had somehow managed to elevate her game to
even greater heights, posting statistical numbers that defied conventional basketball
(01:47):
wisdom and rewriting record books with an almost casual frequency.
Throughout the regular season, Clark had been averaging over thirty
points per game while maintaining shooting percentages that would have
been impressive for a player taking half as many shots.
Her three point shooting had become even more audacious, with
her range extending well beyond the traditional arc and her
shot selection reflecting a confidence that bordered on supernatural. More importantly,
(02:12):
her leadership had evolved, transforming from individual brilliance into something
that elevated every player around her. The supporting cast around
Clark had also developed significantly during that year. Between Championship
Heartbreak and Elite Eight, Opportunity players who had been overwhelmed
by the pressure of the previous year's final had gained
invaluable experience and confidence. The team's offensive system had become
(02:33):
more sophisticated, with multiple players capable of creating offense when
Clark drew the inevitable double and triple teams that opposing
defenses through at her LSU meanwhile, had spent the year
dealing with the unique pressures that come with being defending champions.
Angel Rees had embraced her role as both villain and superstar,
using the criticism and controversy from her championship celebration as
(02:55):
motivation to prove that her success hadn't been a fluke.
Her statistical production and had remained consistently excellent, but more importantly,
her leadership in basketball IQ had continued to develop in
ways that made LSU even more dangerous than their championship team.
The Tigers had faced the challenge that every defending champion
must navigate opponents who circled their games on the calendar,
(03:17):
brought their best effort every night, and viewed victories over
LSU as statement wins that could define their seasons. Reese
and her teammates had handled that pressure admirably, using it
to maintain their competitive edge and ensure that they remained
hungry despite their recent success. When the bracket paths finally
aligned and it became clear that Iowa and LSU were
(03:37):
on a collision course for the Elite Eight, the anticipation
reached fever pitch levels that seemed almost unprecedented for women's
college basketball. Ticket prices for the potential matchup began climbing
weeks before it was officially confirmed, and television networks started
promoting the game with the kind of marketing typically reserved
for men's Final four contests. The build up wasn't just
(03:58):
about basketball, however. The cultural conversations that had emerged from
their previous encounter continued to simmer, with both players representing
different perspectives on competition, celebration, and sportsmanship. Clark had become
a symbol of gracious competitiveness, someone who played with incredible
fire but conducted herself with a dignity that earned respect
from opponents and fans. Alike, Reese had embraced a more
(04:20):
confrontational approach, refusing to apologize for her emotions and establishing
herself as a player who wouldn't be intimidated by public
opinion or media pressure. The actual Elite Eight matchup took
place in a packed arena that felt electric from the
moment both teams took the court for warm ups. The
atmosphere was unlike anything most observers had experienced in women's
(04:41):
college basketball, with fans from both teams creating an environment
that rivaled the most intense games in any sport. The
energy was palpable, crackling with the tension of unfinished business
and the promise of athletic drama at its highest level.
From the opening tip, it was clear that both teams
understood the magnitude of the moment and were per prepared
to leave everything on the court. Iowa came out with
(05:02):
an aggressive, offensive approach that seemed designed to establish Clark's
dominance early and often. Her first shot of the game
was a three pointer from several feet beyond the arc,
a statement that she wasn't going to be deterred by
the pressure or the history between these teams. LSU responded
with their own brand of aggressive basketball, feeding the ball
to rees in the post and watching her work against
(05:24):
Iowa's interior defense. The early exchanges felt like a chess
match between two grand masters, with each team probing for
weaknesses while being careful not to reveal too much about
their own strategic intentions. The pace was frenetic but controlled,
reflecting the experience both teams had gained from their previous
high stakes encounters. What became apparent very quickly was that
(05:44):
both players had used the year between their last meeting
to address weaknesses and expand their games in meaningful ways.
Clark's shot selection, while still audacious, showed more strategic thinking
about when to be aggressive and when to involve her teammates.
Her passing had become even more more creative and precise,
finding angles and opportunities that seemed to defy geometric possibility. Reese, meanwhile,
(06:07):
had added new dimensions to her already impressive skill set.
Her mid range shooting had become more consistent and reliable,
giving her another weapon to use when opponents focused too
heavily on preventing her post up opportunities. Her ball handling
had improved noticeably, allowing her to face up and drive
past defenders who tried to play her too physically in
the paint. The first half developed into exactly the kind
(06:29):
of back and forth battle that neutrals had hoped for
but partisan fans had dreaded. Neither team could establish a
significant lead, with every basket being answered and every defensive
stop being matched by the opposition. Clark was putting on
an absolute clinic, hitting shots from impossible angles and distances,
while creating opportunities for teammates that kept LSU's defense honest.
(06:50):
Reese was matching her shot for shot in her own way,
dominating the glass with a ferocity that bordered on supernatural,
and scoring with the kind of efficiency that made every
LSU possis feel dangerous. Her defensive presence was altering iowa's
shot selection in subtle but meaningful ways, forcing them into
more difficult attempts without necessarily showing up in traditional statistical categories.
(07:12):
The halftime score reflected the intensity and competitiveness of the contest.
With Iowa holding a narrow lead that felt both significant
and precarious, both teams knew that the second half would
require everything they had, and the stage was set for
what would become one of the most memorable Elite Eight
games in tournament history. The second half began with Iowa
showing a sense of urgency that had been building throughout
(07:34):
the first twenty minutes. Clark came out firing with even
more aggression than usual, connecting on a series of three
pointers that had the Iowa Faithful erupting in celebration and
forced LSU to call an early timeout to regroup. The
momentum seemed to be shifting decisively toward the Hawkeyes, and
for the first time in the game, LSU appeared to
be genuinely rattled. But championship level teams don't panic easily,
(07:57):
and LSU demonstrated exactly why they had won on it
all the previous year. Reese began to assert herself in
ways that transcended traditional statistics, making plays that energized her
teammates and gradually shifting the momentum back toward the Tigers.
Her rebounding became even more dominant, pulling down boards over
multiple defenders and immediately looking to push the tempo in transition.
(08:18):
The middle portion of the second half featured some of
the most incredible individual basketball that had been seen at
any level all season. Clark was hitting shots that seemed
physically impossible, pulling up from distances that had opposing coaches
shaking their heads in amazement. Her court vision was creating
opportunities for teammates that kept LSU's defense scrambling and prevented
(08:39):
them from focusing entirely on stopping her individual brilliance. Reese
was answering with her own brand of excellence, making plays
in the paint that showcased the full range of her
athletic ability and basketball IQ. Her footwork in the post
had become even more sophisticated, allowing her to create scoring
opportunities against defenders who had clearly spent considerable time study
(09:00):
and preparing specifically for her tendencies. The turning point of
the game came with approximately twelve minutes remaining, when Clark
orchestrated one of the most incredible individual sequences in Elite
eight history, with Iowa trailing by four points and LSU
threatening to pull away, Clark took over the game in
a way that defied rational explanation. Over the span of
three minutes, she scored fourteen points through a combination of
(09:23):
impossible three pointers, driving layups through traffic, and free throws
drawn from aggressive drives to the basket. But what made
the sequence truly special wasn't just the scoring output. It
was the way Clark involved her teammates and made everyone
around her better. Her assists during that stretch were works
of art, finding players and positions they hadn't even realized
they were in, and creating easy scoring opportunities that kept
(09:46):
LSU's defense honest. The combination of individual brilliance and team
basketball was a masterclass in how elite players can take
over games without becoming selfish. LSU tried to respond, feeding
the ball to Reese and asking her to match Clark's
individual excellence. Reese did everything she could, making several incredible
plays that showcased her own eliteabilities, But the momentum had
(10:08):
shifted decisively toward IOWA. The deficit was growing, and LSU
found themselves in the unfamiliar position of chasing the game
against an opponent that was executing at an incredibly high level.
The final ten minutes of the game featured Clark playing
at a level that seemed almost transcendent. Her shot making
was incredible, but it was her decision making and leadership
(10:28):
that truly set her apart. She knew when to be
aggressive and when to involve teammates, when to push the tempo,
and when to slow things down. Her basketball IQ was
on full display, making reads and adjustments that reflected years
of high level experience. Despite her young age, Reese continued
to fight valiantly, making plays that would have been game
changing in most other contexts. Her rebounding remained dominant, and
(10:52):
she scored efficiently when given opportunities, but she was fighting
an uphill battle against an IOWA team that was executing
their game plan to perfection and a Clark performance that
was reaching legendary status. The final score reflected Iowa's dominance
in the game's crucial moments, with Clark finishing with an
incredible forty one points and twelve assists, numbers that told
(11:12):
only part of the story of her complete takeover of
the game. Her shooting percentages were exceptional despite the high
volume of attempts, and her leadership had been the driving
force behind Iowa's ability to execute under the most intense
pressure imaginable. For LSU and Reese, the defeat was disappointing,
but not diminishing. They had played well enough to win
most games, and Reese's individual performance had been excellent by
(11:36):
any reasonable standard. Her double double of twenty seven points
and thirteen rebounds represented elite level production, but it had
been overshadowed by Clark's transcendent display. What struck many observers
about the postgame interactions was the obvious mutual respect between
the two superstars. Despite the intensity of their rivalry and
the cultural conversations that had surrounded their previous encounters, both
(11:58):
players demonstrated genuine appreciation for each other's abilities and contributions
to the game. Clark was gracious in victory, acknowledging LSU's
excellence and refusing to make the moment about anything other
than basketball. Reese was equally classy in defeat, congratulating IOWA
on their performance while maintaining her own dignity and competitiveness.
The handshake between Clark and Reese at mid court after
(12:21):
the final buzzer was a powerful moment that seemed to
represent a new chapter in their relationship. The respect was
genuine and mutual, reflecting their understanding that their rivalry had
elevated both players and contributed to the growth of women's
basketball as a whole. The gesture was simple but meaningful,
showing that elite competitors can maintain their competitive fire while
(12:41):
also recognizing excellence in their opponents. The media coverage of
the game focused primarily on Clark's incredible individual performance, and
rightfully so. Her stat line was historic, her shot making
had been spectacular, and her leadership had been the determining
factor in Iowa's victory. But the broader narrative was about
redemption and the way that elite athletes respond to setbacks
(13:02):
and disappointments. For Iowa, the victory represented validation of their
approach and their belief that they could compete with anyone
when executing at their highest level. The sting of the
previous year's championship game defeat had been transformed into motivation
that carried them through the most important game of their season.
Clark's performance had been the catalyst, but the entire team
had contributed to a victory that felt like years in
(13:25):
the making. The cultural impact of the rematch was significant,
demonstrating once again the drawing power of compelling individual rivalries
in women's basketball. The television ratings were massive, the social
media engagement was off the charts, and the general sports
conversation was dominated by discussions of what fans had just witnessed.
The game had elevated women's college basketball to new heights
(13:47):
of mainstream relevance and cultural significance. Looking at the broader
implications of the rematch, it was clear that the Clark
Reeves rivalry had become something larger than individual competition. Their
battles had become appointment to television, must see events that
transcended traditional basketball audiences and drew viewers who might not
otherwise follow the sport. The intensity of their competition, combined
(14:09):
with their individual excellence and the cultural narratives surrounding their encounters,
had created a perfect storm of athletic drama and social relevance.
The game also highlighted the incredible depth of talent in
women's college basketball and the quality of play that had
been developing over recent years. Both teams had multiple players
capable of making significant contributions, sophisticated offensive and defensive systems,
(14:33):
and coaching staffs that could make strategic adjustments throughout the
course of a game. The level of basketball had been
exceptional from start to finish, worthy of the biggest stage
and the most intense scrutiny for Clark personally, the victory
and her incredible individual performance had solidified her legacy as
one of the greatest players in college basketball history. Her
(14:53):
ability to perform at such an elite level under the
most intense pressure imaginable had answered any remaining question about
her capacity to deliver in the biggest moments. The combination
of statistical excellence, shot making ability, and leadership that she
had displayed would be remembered as one of the finest
individual performances in Elite eight history. Reese's performance, while overshadowed
(15:14):
by Clark's brilliance, had been excellent in its own right
and had demonstrated her continued development as a player and leader.
Her ability to compete at the highest level against elite
opposition while handling the pressure of defending champions status showed
remarkable maturity and mental toughness. The defeat was disappointing, but
it had also provided motivation that would drive her future
(15:35):
development and success. The rematch had also demonstrated the power
of narrative in sports and the way that compelling storylines
can elevate individual games into cultural moments. The year long
build up, the redemption theme, and the genuine mutual respect
between two elite competitors had created a perfect storm of
athletic drama that resonated far beyond traditional basketball audiences as
(15:58):
both players prepared for their eventual transition to professional basketball.
The Elite Eight rematch had provided another chapter in what
was clearly going to be a long term rivalry that
would continue to captivate audiences for years to come. Their
individual excellence, combined with their contrasting styles and personalities had
created a dynamic that brought out the best in both
(16:19):
players while generating the kind of fan engagement that sports
organizations dream about. The game had also served as a
showcase for the current state of women's college basketball and
its bright future. The quality of play, the strategic sophistication,
and the athletic excellence on display had been worthy of
any stage and any level of attention. Both teams had
represented their sport admirably, demonstrating that women's basketball could generate
(16:42):
the same kind of passionate engagement and cultural relevance as
any athletic competition, the twenty twenty four Elite eight rematch
between Iowa and LSU will be remembered as one of
the defining games of the modern era in women's college basketball.
Clark's incredible individual performance, the mutual respect demonstrated both teams,
and the broader cultural impact of their rivalry had combined
(17:04):
to create a perfect storm of athletic excellence and social
significance that elevated the sport to new height. Thanks for
listening to this exploration of one of the most incredible
rematches in college basketball history. Please subscribe for more fascinating
sports stories like this one, and remember that this episode
was brought to you by Quiet Please Podcast Networks. For
(17:25):
more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai,
where we continue to uncover the amazing stories that make
sports such an endlessly compelling part of human culture. Quiet
Please dot Ai hear what matters.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.