Iowa’s historic 94-87 win against LSU in the Elite Eight drew a record-breaking 12.3 million viewers, the most in women’s college basketball history. ESPN reported that this was the highest viewership for any college basketball game ever on its platforms and the second-highest of any basketball game since 2012. FanDuel also noted that Iowa-LSU was its biggest betting event for women’s sports. The Hawkeyes, led by superstar Caitlin Clark, avenged a loss to the Tigers in last year’s title game. Clark, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, finished the game with 41 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds, while LSU’s Angel Reese added 17 points and 20 rebounds in defeat.
ESPN revealed that the women’s Elite Eight averaged 6.2 million viewers, up 184% year-over-year, and featured four of the top five most-watched games in that round on record. Reese, a second-team All-American, shared postgame that she has endured threats over the past year. Despite facing challenges and adversity, Reese remains strong and determined to stay true to herself. Iowa is now set to face No. 3 seed UConn, a program with 11 national championships, in the Final Four. The game will take place on Friday at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, with the winner advancing to the national championship game against either No. 1 seed South Carolina or No. 3 seed NC State on Sunday.
The rivalry between Iowa and LSU intensified after Reese’s controversial actions during last year’s title game victory over the Hawkeyes. Reese’s gestures towards Clark sparked a series of negative incidents, including threats and attacks directed towards Reese. Despite the challenges she has faced, Reese remains steadfast in her identity and committed to standing up for herself. The upcoming Final Four matchup between Iowa and UConn promises to be an intense battle, as both teams aim to secure a spot in the national championship game.
Caitlin Clark, who surpassed NBA legend Pete Maravich in March to become the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, has been a standout player throughout the tournament. Clark’s exceptional performance on the court has drawn attention from fans and experts alike, as she continues to showcase her talent and skill. With 3,900 career points ahead of the Final Four, Clark is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. Despite facing doubts and challenges along the way, Clark remains focused on her goal of winning a national championship and solidifying her legacy in women’s college basketball.
The upcoming Final Four matchup between Iowa and UConn is highly anticipated, with both teams vying for a chance to compete for the national championship. Iowa’s journey to the Final Four has been marked by resilience, hard work, and determination, as they seek to build on their success and make a statement in the tournament. With powerhouse programs like UConn and South Carolina in the mix, Iowa faces tough competition, but they are prepared to rise to the challenge. As the spotlight shines on the Final Four games, fans can expect intense matchups and thrilling performances from some of the top players in women’s college basketball.
