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Caitlin Clark leads Iowa win in LSU rematch to reach Final Four
Clark's spectacular performance in the Elite Eight once again showcased her dominance on the court. With an astounding 41 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds, she shattered records in what has been an extraordinary senior season. Named the regional's Most Outstanding Player, Clark's focus remains fixed on securing another shot at the national championship, a goal that eluded Iowa in the previous season's loss to LSU. Leading Iowa against UConn in the upcoming national semifinals, Clark aims to lead her team to victory despite being perceived as underdogs entering the Elite Eight matchup.
Last year's final in Dallas drew nearly 10 million viewers, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the matchup between LSU and Iowa. Although lamented by coaches Kim Mulkey and Lisa Bluder for meeting before the Final Four, the showdown between LSU's Angel Reese and Clark captivated audiences with its dramatic intensity. Ultimately, it was Clark who emerged victorious, despite Reese's impressive performance of 17 points and 20 rebounds. While LSU dominated the boards, outrebounding Iowa 54-36, Iowa's superior shooting, at 46.5% compared to LSU's 38.6%, secured the win.
Clark's remarkable achievements extend beyond Monday's game, with her surpassing several milestones throughout the season. She became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history and broke the record for most points in a season, currently standing at 1,183. Additionally, Clark claimed the Division I career 3-point record, with a total of 540 3-pointers, further solidifying her status as one of the game's greatest players.
In Monday's game, Clark's resilience was evident as she rebounded from recent shooting struggles. Despite entering the game with a 28.9% shooting percentage from 3-point range in her past six games, she showcased her confidence and determination by converting 45% of her attempts from behind the arc. Both teams exhibited strong offensive starts, with LSU shooting 60.9% in the first quarter and Iowa closely trailing at 55.6%. Clark's commanding presence was felt early on, contributing 11 points in the opening quarter, matching the output of LSU's Angel Reese. As the game progressed, Clark's exceptional performance propelled Iowa to victory, culminating in a celebratory moment as she tossed the game ball to her younger brother, Colin, amidst the cheers of the Iowa faithful at MVP Arena.