The Hawkeyes and Tigers are natural enemies. So fans were looking forward to this Elite Eight reunion between archrivals, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Both are to be WNBA-bound. But after the defending champions suffered a 87-94 blowout, fans aren’t satisfied. Fans speculate if Reese would stay at LSU one more year to reclaim the title while Clark potentially heads to the WNBA draft.

Reese has been the center of love and hate throughout her rivalry with Clark. This defeat is making fans put indirect pressure on her to put her WNBA aspirations on hold.

Angel Reese bears the brunt of LSU loss

As the 2023 NCAA champions, the LSU Tigers were one to watch this March Madness. Add in their historic rivalry with the Iowa Hawkeyes and both team’s star’s infamous clash, this Elite Eight matchup was going to keep everyone on the edge of the seats. That was until the gap was too wide to close.

READ MORE: Stephen A. Smith Digs Up Wary Angel Reese Treatment as Kim Mulkey’s “Dirty Debutant” Controversy Spirals

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Clark once again proved why she’s leading the NCAA’s scoring record by leading the Hawkeyes to the Final Four. Meanwhile fans don’t want this to be how Reese’s LSU career ends. Clark stands as a potential top draft pick currently. Reese is projected somewhere in the top 10 for the 2024 class. Fans though think Reese’s Elite Eight elimination drops her lower out of contention.

A good few even bring up the fact that Reese is earning more right now than she would make as a WNBA rookie. One of the top NIL athletes alongside Clark, Reese has deals collectively worth $1.8 million with Reebok, Coach, PlayStation, Amazon and more. WNBA salaries don’t often reach that high. The responses to LSU’s defeat have a common theme – fans want her to stay in LSU for one more season.

Tigers fans want redemption

Apparently fans don’t think LSU has a chance at reclaiming the title next year without the Bayou Barbie. The 21-year-old forward has averaged 21 points and 14.4 rebounds at LSU. Fans feel the Tigers need more of that than any WNBA team.

After the loss, Reese got emotional in the post-game presser but not because of the defeat. Since her rivalry with Clark and the 2023 title, she’s been subjected to a lot of scrutiny, most of them unpleasant. She’s had to deal with social media users throughout her college career and is dealing with this attention now.

Fans predict big changes coming to the Baton Rouge school. But the likelihood of Reese returning for another NCAA season seems bleak. She hasn’t confirmed anything yet but her draft stock is at his highest since her collegiate career of four seasons.

If she does return for a fifth season, she might not have Clark in competition. She’d have to aim higher and become the first overall draft pick. Not a minor feat by any means.

It could go any way now. The spotlight is on Reese as many await her decision. She will probably discuss with Kim Mulkey and more before ending the suspense. Do you anticipate she will head to the WNBA or will she stay at LSU?

READ MORE: Angel Reese’s Leg Scar – What Happened to the LSU Star That It Left a Mark for Life?