Iowa’s victory against LSU in the Elite Eight not only secured them a spot in the Final Four but also made history in terms of viewership. The game drew a staggering 12.3 million viewers, marking it as the most-watched women’s college basketball game ever, according to ESPN. This figure surpassed the previous record of 9.9 million viewers set by last season’s NCAA championship game between the same programs. ESPN also reported that Monday’s game had the highest viewership for any college basketball game on its platforms and the second-highest viewership for any basketball game, college or NBA, since 2012. Additionally, FanDuel revealed that the Iowa-LSU match was its biggest betting event of all time for women’s sports.
The top-seeded Hawkeyes were once again led by the remarkable Caitlin Clark, who finished the game with an impressive stat line of 41 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds. Clark, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, played a pivotal role in helping Iowa avenge their loss to LSU in last year’s title game. On the opposing side, LSU’s Angel Reese displayed her talent with 17 points and 20 rebounds despite the defeat. In a postgame interview, Reese opened up about the challenges she has faced, including receiving threats over the past year. She expressed resilience in the face of adversity, stating, “I’m unapologetically me. I’m going to always leave that mark and be who I am and stand on that.”
Iowa’s victory sets them up for a highly anticipated Final Four showdown against No. 3 seed UConn, a powerhouse program with 11 national championships and coached by the renowned Geno Auriemma. The winner of this matchup will advance to face either No. 1 seed South Carolina or No. 3 seed NC State in the national championship game. Caitlin Clark’s exceptional performance in the Elite Eight not only solidified her place as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer but also highlighted her potential as the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, where she is expected to be selected by the Indiana Fever. Looking ahead to the upcoming games, Clark emphasized the hard work and determination that has brought them this far, stating, “To get back here is really hard. This regional was loaded with so much talent. The job’s not finished.”
Iowa’s historic win against LSU in the Elite Eight not only showcased the incredible skill and resilience of the players but also captured the attention of a record-breaking audience. As they prepare to face formidable opponents in the Final Four and potentially secure a national championship, the Hawkeyes continue to defy expectations and leave their mark on women’s college basketball.
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