The rematch of defending champion LSU Tigers and Angel Reese vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes was built up as the best game in March Madness, men’s or women’s.
But it was Caitlin Clark who would not only lead her team to victory and on to the Final Four, but steal the show, scoring 40 points. Even with Reese in the mix, the Tigers had no answer for Clark all evening.
Last year, Reese and the Tigers won the national title against Clark and the Hawkeyes, but this time, the Hawkeyes got their revenge, winning 94-87 and moving onto the Final Four.
While the attention was focused on Clark, there was a lot of post-game attention paid to LSU head coach Kim Mulkey. Many fans were questioning her strategy (or lack of one) when it came to guarding Clark.
A lot of fans are also taking delight in the fact that the controversial Mulkey won’t be back in the Final Four this year.
Kim Mulkey to Hailey Van Lith when she gets back to the bench after getting cooked by Caitlin Clarkpic.twitter.com/PvrgUnELI9
— JⓂ️🅰️ (@J_Nole22) April 2, 2024
Tough loss for Kim Mulkey but I’m sure she’s excited to get away from it all and spend some time in her little cave by the sea where she grants wishes to mermaids in exchange for their voice
— No Escalators (@NoEscalators) April 2, 2024
Fans really questioned Mulkey’s decision to let Hailey Van Lith, who was visibly ill, guard Clark.
Kim Mulkey really is evil
HVL had an IV bc she’s sick and Mulkeys making her guard Caitlin?
— meredith minkow (@murrminks) April 2, 2024
Just a baffling decision by Kim Mulkey to have Hailey Van Lith guard Caitlin Clark. She's too small. Clark is licking her chops with this matchup, and Mulkey won't adjust. pic.twitter.com/4IYBJmkmAM
— Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) April 2, 2024
Mulkey is going to have to answer a lot of uncomfortable questions after this loss. Even players like Reese seemed angry that Mulkey wasn’t doing enough to give her the ball.
It will be interesting to see what her response to the loss will be. Knowing Mulkey’s reputation, it probably won’t be too nice.
