The eagerly anticipated Elite 8 match will be a rematch of last year’s final. The Iowa Hawkeyes will face the LSU Tigers. The Tigers are the reigning champions and will look to defend the coveted championship. But Caitlin Clark and Co. are on a great run and will look to avenge the defeat. So, of course, everyone is going to concentrate on that rivalry and how it’ll play out this time.

The focus has already been highlighted on two superstars, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. During the press conference, LSU superstars were asked questions before the Elite 8 match. Reese was specifically asked about her celebration last year and her off-the-court friendship with Clark. Clark was asked the same question after her game and replied “The biggest thing is women’s basketball is in a really great place.”

Hawkeye sports columnist Chad Leistikow on Twitter/X provided Reese’s comments.

“Just a super competitive relationship. There’s not anything else there.” Reese continued. There is too much focus on Reese vs. Clark, which is not wrong. Both of them showed what great athletes they are and have greatly contributed to their team’s success. The LSU forward also clarified what she would do if she met Clark outside the court.

Angel Reese on the narrative being set about hating Caitlin Clark

“For me. I don’t think people realize it’s not personal,” Reese said about Clark. “Once we get out between those lines, if I see you walking down the street, like it’s ‘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.”

Read More: Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers vs. JuJu Watkins in Elite 8: Fans Gear Up for Historic March Madness Day

Reese knows how to differentiate between friendships on and off the court. Trash talk is part of the game, and she would do it to her friends when they faced each other during the match. Playing mind games to help her team win is not wrong. After the game, she can normally talk to people and hang out with them without any issues. Which other people don’t seem to realize, and she is okay with it and happy to play the villain role.

“I will take the villain role, I will take the hit for it. But I know we are growing women’s basketball. If this the way we gonna do it then this is the way we gonna do it. You like it or you don’t,” Reese said.

Show much build-up for the epic clash. Viewership records could be broken, along with the hearts of one of the teams.

Read More: Bloodied Nose Didn’t Stop Angel Reese From Wiping Injured Teammate’s Tears Leaving LSU Fans in Awe