In the buildup to what promises to be a fiercely contested clash on the hardwood, both LSU Tigers’ Angel Reese and Iowa Hawkeyes’ Caitlin Clark are keen to downplay the intensity of their rivalry. Despite the anticipation surrounding the rematch, neither athlete is stoking the flames of competition ahead of the big game.
Addressing the looming showdown, Reese emphasized that the rivalry is not personal. “I think people just take it like we hate each other,” she remarked. “Me and Caitlin Clark don’t hate each other. It’s just a super competitive game.” Reese admitted that once she steps onto the court, she transforms into a different persona. “Once I get between those lines, there’s no friends,” she asserted. “We’re not buddies. I’m going to talk trash to you.”
Clark echoed similar sentiments, asserting that her on-court chatter primarily revolves around motivating herself and her teammates. “My competitive passion is just all about the game and what fires me up and what fires my team up,” she explained. “I think I play with a lot of emotion, but I think our team is mostly focused on celebrating each other.”
Both players acknowledged the role of trash talk in fueling their performance. Reese, hailing from Baltimore, attributed it to her upbringing. “It just gets me going. It’s where I’m from. I’m trying to hype myself up and get myself going,” she admitted. “It’s not personal to the other player on the other team, but it is what it is.”
Kim Mulkey weighed in on the debate
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey weighed in on the hype surrounding the trash talk, acknowledging the competitive nature of both athletes. “You’ve got two very talented players that have brought a lot of attention to our sport. They both trash talk,” Mulkey remarked. “Those are tough women.” However, Mulkey lamented the timing of the matchup, wishing it occurred at the Final Four instead of the Elite Eight. “Didn’t that National Championship game have the highest ratings ever in women’s basketball? This would be special if it was at the Final Four,” she emphasized.
Despite the game occurring earlier in the tournament, anticipation remains high, fueled by last year’s record-breaking championship clash between the two schools. Clark expressed confidence in the game’s appeal to viewers. “I think women’s basketball fans know how special and cool this moment will be,” she said. “I think the viewership numbers will show that.” As the countdown to tip-off continues, both teams maintain a cordial demeanor. However, once the game is underway, all niceties will be set aside, and the fierce rivalry will take center stage.
