Caitlin Clark Scores 41-Points to led Iowa to 94-87 Win Over LSU
Photo (The Associated Press)
On Monday night the basketball world gifted us with a rematch of last year's National Championship game between Iowa and LSU. The Match-up between Caitlin Clark and Angle Reese has been eyeing on the March Madness Bracket since the first round. The Hawkeyes came back for revenge, as Caitlin Clark led them to a 94-87 win over the LSU Tigers. The magnificent run of Caitlin Clark continues as she cements herself as a generational player. In the win, Clark has become the 1st player in NCAA Tournament history to have three 40-point games and has set the record for the most 3-point FGs made in Division I history. With the victory, Caitlin Clark and the Hawkeyes will return to the Final Four to take on Geno Auriemma's UConn Huskies.
PAiGE BUECKERS OUtLASTS JUJU WATKINS AND USC
Photo (Steve Dykes/Associated Press)
USC Freshman JuJu Watkins' freshman season was nothing short of magical. In a matchup against an experienced UConn Huskies squad, Watkins and the Trojans were in quest of a Final Four bid for the first time since 1986. Despite its lack of depth in the roster, and early game foul trouble, Geno Auriemma's Huskies executed down the stretch. A large part of their 4th Quarter run was Paige Bueckers, whose leadership and poise were the ultimate difference maker. UConn ends Watkins' magical season with an 80-73 win.
Despite the loss, JuJu Watkins made history by becoming the all-time freshman leading scorer (920 points), surpassing Tina Hutchinson. In this NCAA tournament, JuJu Watkins put up 110 points just one point shy of Tamika Catchings' tournament record back set in 1998. In one season, Watkins led USC to a Pac-12 title (for the first time in 10 years), finished second in scoring (26.9 PPG), set a USC scoring record with 51-point performance, and an elite eight appearance. The passing of the torch is near, and we're witnessing the new face of Women's Basketball... JuJu Watkins!
Coach Auriemma will make his 23rd Final Four appearance with the Huskies (most for any program all-time). UConn will take on Iowa in a Final Four matchup for the ages. A clash of the stars - Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers. In their last matchup, UConn defeated Iowa in the Sweet Sixteen 92-72. However, Both Clark and Bueckers were freshmen. Now at the peak of their powers, Will Caitlin even the score or will Coach Auriemma record another National Championship?
The Future of Women’s College Basketball
Photo by (ESPN)
The growing popularity of women’s college hoops has created a cultural shift in sports. According to ESPN, Monday’s Elite Eight matchup drew 12.3 Million viewers, becoming the most-watched women’s college basketball game on record. For the second straight year, the women’s NCAA Tournament has overtaken the men’s from a viewership perspective. A contributing factor lies in the unique storylines — whether it’s Kim Mulkey’s vs. the media, Caitlin Clark’s breaking records, or Coach Staley’s South Carolina Squad going undefeated. Fans are intrigued by these programs and get the chance to witness the rise of the college’s brightest stars. This year’s Final Four will have yet another opportunity to showcase the product of women's talents while redefining new standards for women's college hoops.