Caitlin Clark put on an impressive performance by scoring 41 points to lead No. 1 Iowa to the Final Four with a win over No. 3 LSU. This marked her fifth 40-point game of the season and the third time she made nine three-pointers in a game. Clark was named a first-team All-American for the third consecutive year while setting various records before heading to the WNBA later this year. However, her dominant performance was met with surprise from basketball Hall of Famer Paul Pierce, who insinuated that Clark wouldn’t be able to handle the competition due to playing against a team mostly comprised of Black players.
During the game, Clark shot 13-for-29 from the field, including 9-of-20 from beyond the arc. LSU guard Hailey Van Lith tried to contest Clark’s shots, especially her deep three-pointers, but could only shrug as they continued to go in. Iowa took control in the third quarter with an 8-0 run to start, fueled by Clark’s four three-pointers in the quarter. Despite LSU’s efforts to mount a comeback, shooting struggles in the third quarter ultimately led to Iowa’s victory.
Next, Iowa will face No. 3 UConn in the Final Four, with UConn coming off a standout performance by Paige Bueckers. Bueckers recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists against USC’s JuJu Watkins. The matchup between Iowa and UConn promises to be an exciting one as both teams showcase top talent on the court.
The game between Iowa and LSU also sparked controversy surrounding comments made by Paul Pierce on FS1’s “Undisputed.” Pierce’s remarks about Clark’s performance against a team of mostly Black players raised questions about race and competition in college basketball. This incident added another layer of complexity to an already intense matchup and drew attention to the ongoing conversations about diversity and equity in sports.
Overall, Caitlin Clark’s remarkable performance, combined with the controversy surrounding Paul Pierce’s comments, brought attention to the Final Four matchup between Iowa and UConn. The game promises to be a compelling battle between two powerhouse teams with standout players like Clark and Bueckers leading the way. As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see which team emerges victorious and earns a spot in the championship game.
