“F*****g Cry Baby”: Caitlin Clark Suffers Wrath of Ruthless Fans as Dawn Staley Exposes Iowa Star’s Struggles
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USA Today via Reuters
Mar 23, 2024; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts late during the NCAA first round game against the Holy Cross Crusaders at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Caitlin Clark had scored 18 points in the first quarter and the Hawkeyes led Gamecocks by seven points after the end of the first quarter in the NCAA Championship game. But Dawn Staley’s team managed to stifle Clark for the rest of the game, as she managed to score a combined 12 points in the next three quarters. The Gamecocks eventually beat Iowa 87-75 to stop Clark from having a fairytale ending in her final collegiate game.
As the game progressed so did Clark’s frustration with the referees. She wasn’t happy with the officiating as Iowa failed to stop the South Carolina Gamecocks juggernaut, who went undefeated with a 38-0 record this season. However, this was supposed to be Clark’s perfect farewell in what has been a record-breaking season for the 22-year-old.
NCAA’s all-time basketball leading scorer has come under fire from the fans for incessant complaining toward the referees. Her on-court behavior has been a topic of debate in the NCAA tournament with even her father, asking her to focus during one of the games. After she cut a frustrated figure during the championship game, fans were not pleased with her conduct.
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The game started with Iowa leading and were 10-0 ahead. The first quarter was all about Clark and the Hawkeyes. She scored 13 straight points and also a near-logo 3-pointer. The Gamecocks were 11 points behind after the first media break; it was the largest gap they conceded this season.
Caitlin Clark Snatches 35-Year-Old NCAA Record Vs South Carolina in March Madness Finale
The Gamecocks crawled back and ended with a 7-point deficit after the first quarter. The tables soon turned with South Carolina’s Raven Johnson playing fantastic defense, holding Clark to 5-of-20 shooting as she and Iowa had no answers to Dawn Staley’s tactics.
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“Whiny, wants to cry,” fans lash out at Caitlin Clark for Final behavior
The officiating for the championship game between the Gamecocks and Hawkeyes was far from perfect. Yet, the fans were not happy with Clark constantly going up to the officials. After Gamecocks went slightly ahead at the end of the first half, Clark was unhappy with many calls and openly expressed her displeasure. One fan said that Clark was asking and demanding fouls unnecessarily.
JUST LET THEM PLAY!! Caitlin Clark is whiny cry baby
— Shotgun Rider (@MsMajorayes) April 7, 2024
Clark complaining to refs has been a common sight in the NCAA tournament. During the Round of 32 match against West Virginia Mountaineers, Clark’s impressive performance was overshadowed by her antics. Another fan agreed with the sentiment when it came to Clark showcasing her displeasure at the referring decisions.
Caitlin Clark is a fucking cry baby!
— The Black Pat McAfee (@patblackafee) April 7, 2024
Referees called fouls on the Huskies 18 times in the Final Four match with a debatable call in the dying seconds ensuring Iowa went through. Huskies’ Aaliyah Edwards was called for an offensive foul while trying to set a screen on Gabbie Marshall with less than four seconds remaining with Iowa leading 71-69.
The controversial call right at the end which benefited Clark and Co. Clark who is outspoken and her taunts during last year’s run may have rubbed the fans the wrong way. A fan called how Clark was often upset during the game and would make a fuss.
Cry every time you don’t get your way Caitlin Clark! pic.twitter.com/Y072tytOFq
— Angie (@biebsfanonly) April 7, 2024
In the championship game, the Gamecocks were cautioned 17 points. This also prompted Clark’s rival Angel Reese to tweet, “I see how this game is about to go smh, “after a series of questionable fouls were called on Caitlin Clark. Early in the first half, Clark pushed off a Gamecocks defender before catching and hitting a 3-pointer. Hence, her complaints about the decisions didn’t sit well with fans. Her focus shifted to crying for fouls rather than winning was a sentiment expressed by one fan.
Caitlin Clark gets ONE foul and wants to cry! STFU
— J_Elle (@sj_elle) April 7, 2024
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Despite the defeat in the final, Clark will have a memorable season to look back at. She has scored more than 1,183 points this season and swept the individual player awards for the season. Clark will now prepare for the April 16 WNBA with Indiana Fever looking as likely suitors.
Written by:
Edited by:
Pragya Vashisth