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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

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  Debate

Debate

Did Angel Reese outsmart Caitlin Clark, or was Clark just overhyped all along?

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. The two names solidify the epitome of what women’s college basketball is all about. And it all started at the American Airlines Center on April 2023, where the National Championship Game swung in favor of the Lady Tigers, courtesy of some well-executed game plans. While many believed that among those would be to put brakes on Iowa’s showstopper point guard, the 2023 NCAA Tournament MOP revealed this wasn’t so in the latest LSU docuseries on Amazon Prime—The Money Game.

Episode 2 of LSU’s latest show evaluates the behind-the-scenes of LSU’s most triumphant moment in NCAA history. The stage was fixed in a record-setting finale for two fitting programs to draw first blood. To no one’s surprise, Caitlin Clark did just that by commencing the proceedings with a deep three. Regardless, Angel Reese and Co. didn’t bat an eye, as this was something they expected and planned for. “We know Caitlin Clark.” says Reese. “We may not be able to stop her from getting 30, but it’s the people around her we can’t allow them to go off and have magnificent numbers. That was our focus.”

Consequently, this is exactly how the story unraveled. Clark may have ended her 35 minutes on the hardwood garnering 30 points. But apart from her, there was a no-show from the rest of the Hawkeyes, as their next best ballers for the night were Monika Czinano and Kate Martin. Both contributed with 13 points each. “I think we already knew we were going to win the game,” Reese further adds.

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via Imago

LSU was entering the game as an underdog as Caitlin Clark ran rampant with back-to-back 41-point games coming into the Finals. This helped Iowa knock out unbeaten South Carolina in the Final Four stage. However, a one-woman show wasn’t enough. Eventually, a collective LSU performance overpowered her. Reese, with her phenomenal double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds) got thorough support from Jasmine Carson (22 points), Alexis Morris (21 points), and LaDazhia Williams (20 points).

Flau’jae Johnson, who played a crucial contribution, also spared a thought or two.

Flau’jae Johnson joins Angel Reese and shares her experience

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Johnson, who accomplished the feat as a freshman, was also a part of the core group. This breathtaking moment evoked her honest emotions in the episode. She said, “We won the national championship. Against all odds. There is nothing better than that. Nothing.” Johnson had 10 points and 7 rebounds in the bag by the end of the night.

What’s your perspective on:

Did Angel Reese outsmart Caitlin Clark, or was Clark just overhyped all along?

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Apart from the “You Can’t See Me” fiasco involving Reese and Clark, the game made headlines for other reasons as well. Seemingly, 9.9 Million people became a part of this monumental fixture. This was bested in their rematch the subsequent year, which had 12.3 million people tune in.

Certainly, a moment to savor for Angel Reese and the Lady Tigers. A proof of how some smart pre-game thinking can result in the ultimate glory. Sadly, they weren’t able to cast the same spell twice when both teams met in the Elite 8 stage this year.