In a historic matchup, Caitlin Clark led the Iowa Hawkeyes to a stunning victory over LSU in the Albany 2 Region final, creating a new record as the most-watched women’s college basketball game. The game, which aired on ESPN, captivated an impressive audience of 12.3 million viewers, surpassing the previous record set in 1983 during the NCAA championship game between USC and Louisiana Tech.
Caitlin Clark’s exceptional performance, where she scored 41 points, was a pivotal factor in the Hawkeyes’ victory over LSU. This win also marked a sweet revenge for Iowa, as they avenged their loss to the Tigers in the previous year’s national championship game. Notably, LSU coach Kim Mulkey, a former player for Louisiana Tech, played a crucial role in the historic matchup against USC great Cheryl Miller in the 1983 NCAA championship game.
The viewership for the Iowa-LSU game not only broke records for women’s college basketball but also marked a significant milestone for basketball games on ESPN. The last time ESPN saw such high viewership numbers was during Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference finals. Since then, Caitlin Clark’s games in the women’s NCAA tournament have consistently garnered high viewership, averaging 6.83 million viewers per game.
Iowa’s impressive run in the tournament has not only captured the attention of millions of viewers but has also solidified their spot in the Women’s Final Four. The upcoming national semifinal against UConn is highly anticipated, with the winner set to face either South Carolina or North Carolina State in the championship game. The national championship game itself will be broadcasted on ABC, giving even more exposure to women’s college basketball.
Former Division I guard turned broadcaster and analyst, Isis Young, emphasized the importance of seizing the moment and turning it into a movement for women’s basketball. With the current momentum and attention on the sport, the players are at the forefront of driving this movement forward. This was evident in the overwhelming support and praise received by Caitlin Clark and the teams involved in the historic game.
The impact of the Iowa-LSU game went beyond just the numbers, as it overshadowed other sporting events on the same night, including a notable baseball game and a standout performance by an NBA player. The conversations and social media buzz surrounding the women’s college basketball game highlighted its significance in sports history. Even in defeat, players like Angel Reese acknowledged the historic moment and the positive impact it had on the sport.
The Iowa-LSU game was not only a record-breaking event but also a milestone for women’s college basketball, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of the players involved. As the sport continues to gain momentum and recognition, it is clear that these players are at the forefront of a movement that is shaping the future of women’s basketball.
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