After all that was said about the relationship between and , the two showed the world that there were no ill feelings once the dust settled in the highly-anticipated rematch of the 2023 NCAA Tournament final between the two stars. Shortly after 94-87 win over to advance , cameras spotted Clark and Reese exchanging polite pleasantries as the two were in the handshake line. LSU head coach Kim Mulkey gave Clark a brief congratulatory hug and smiling message as the two walked by one another. Clark and Reese's actions toward each other further dispelled any notion the two harbored any malicious feelings toward one another. "Me and Caitlin Clark don't hate each other," Reese . "I want everybody to understand that. It's just a super-competitive game, and I just wish people would realize that once I get between those lines, there's no
Friends." The first half of Iowa and LSU's highly anticipated Elite Eight matchup can be summed up in one word: Hectic. Both the Hawkeyes and the Tigers came out of the gate firing, with Clark setting the tone from beyond the arc while Reese dominated inside the paint. Despite the quick start for both squads, LSU calmed down and took advantage of Iowa's inconsistency, ending the first quarter on a 10-0 run to lead 31-26 heading into the second quarter. The second quarter was more of the same, though a potential game-changing play for LSU was averted when Reese seemingly hurt herself with about eight minutes to go in the half after contesting Clark's layup attempt. As Reese contested the shot attempt, she landed awkwardly and appeared to bump her knee on the stanchion, before falling into some seats a handful of rows away. She immediately went to the bench and though she grimaced as LSU's staff went to work, she returned to the game shortly after. Flau'jae Johnson ended the half in style for LSU, driving baseline then spinning off an Iowa defender for the layup over the outstretched arms of another defender to tie the game at 45 heading into halftime. Reese ended the half with 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks while Clark had 19 points, five assists and one rebound. Clark started the second half on a tear, hitting three 3-pointers from way behind the line to push Iowa's lead to nine, 58-49, before Johnson hit a shot in response. However, Clark could not be stopped, nailing four 3-pointers in just the third quarter alone, as part of a 15-3 run to push the lead to 13, the largest of the game up to that point. Despite a quick run by LSU to cut Iowa's lead to single digits, the Hawkeyes ultimately outscored the Tigers by 11 points in the third quarter, 24-13, and entered the final quarter of play 69-58. Of note, Clark almost outscored the Tigers by herself scoring 12 points in the third quarter alone. All the latest news, showbiz, lifestyle and sports updates, brought to you by our dedicated
American team. to make sure you're not missing out. LSU started quickly in the fourth quarter, scoring the first five points to cut the lead to six, 69-63. However, whenever the Tigers attempted to cut into the lead, Clark and the Hawkeyes constantly had an answer waiting, in the form of a fastbreak opportunity or an unbeliever 3-pointer. Late in the game, Reese fouled out of the game and hugged numerous members of LSU's coaching staff as she headed to the bench. In all, Clark finished with 41 points - draining nine 3-pointers, tying a tournament record - 12 assists and seven rebounds while Reese countered with 17 points, 20 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals before she fouled out. Having avenged their NCAA Tournament Finals loss, Iowa will take on the winner of the USC-UConn matchup in the Final Four.