The reason behind LSU forward Angel Reese’s absence remains unclear, even though the star is scheduled to play in a major game on Thursday.
Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes were easily defeated by the LSU Tigers in the first half, 102-85, to win the school’s first NCAA women’s basketball national championship.
After a first half in which Jasmine Carson was rendered unconscious on the field, LSU entered their locker room on a high note, leading by 17 points.
Carson dropped a team-high 22 points, all but one point coming in the first half, as she went a perfect 7 of 7 from the field with five immaculate three-pointers.
On April 2, 2023, in Dallas, Texas, during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament championship game at American Airlines Center, Last-Tear Poa #13 of the LSU Lady Tigers reacts during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes. (Getty Images/Maddie Meyer)
But Carson didn’t attempt a three-pointer in the second half, only taking one. Alexis Morris took over for the Tigers in place of her contributions, scoring 19 points in the second half after scoring just 2 in the first.
Morris was able to take advantage of one-on-one opportunities throughout the fourth quarter by utilizing mid-range shots. She had nine assists, two rebounds, and 21 points at the end of the game.
Before playing Iowa, LSU found the defense of South Carolina’s shooters to be “extremely disrespectful.”
Reese Angel in Dallas
On Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Dallas, during the second half of the NCAA Women’s Final Four championship basketball game, LSU’s Angel Reese waves farewell to Iowa’s Monika Czinano, who fouls out. (Image by Darron Cummings/AP)
Angel Reese’s game-winning three-pointer to make it 98-82 gave the Tigers a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, and head coach Kim Mulkey knew she would be lifting the trophy with her squad.
Mulkey has not won a national championship since the 2018–19 season, when she was a member of the Baylor Bears. Although it is her first coaching position at LSU, it is her fourth overall.
Caitlin Clark gives an act
On April 2, 2023, in Dallas, Texas, during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament championship game at American Airlines Center, Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts during the first half against the LSU Lady Tigers. (Getty Images/Maddie Meyer)
After making the shot, Reese—who finished with 15 points—was seen gesturing to her ring finger. To cap off her incredible NCAA Tournament run, she shot 5 of 12 while dishing out 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
A ONE-WORD TIP FROM THE IOWA COACH ON HOW TO PROTECT CAITLIN CLARK
Despite her best efforts, Iowa couldn’t pull away from the Hawkeyes and National Player of the Year Caitlin Clark was unable to keep Iowa out of the game. With nine of his twenty-two field goals, eight of which came from three-point range, Clark concluded the game with thirty points.
The Hawkeyes had a strong start to the second half, winning the third quarter 22–16 and cutting the advantage to just eight points. However, the Tigers regained their speed and had offensive support from all around the field.
