Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Talk Rivalry Ahead of Monday’s Game

When the women's NCAA Tournament Bracket was announced on selection Sunday, this was the game people pointed to. If Iowa and LSU could both somehow end up in the Elite 8, we would have a rematch of last year's NCAA title game. Tonight, America gets its wish.

Last year's title game saw a better LSU team run Iowa out of the gym. But it was the actions of LSU star Angel Reese in the closing moments of the game that sparked a rivalry between teams and star players. Reese flashed the "you can't see me" gesture towards Caitlin Clark and then pointed at her ring finger in the closing moments of LSU's 102-85 victory. The narrative was born that these two players do not like each other.

But it turns out that Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese do not hate each other. The Daily Iowan reports that Reese told the media on Sunday "I don't think people realize it's not personal. Me and Caitlin Clark don't hate each other. It's just a super competitive game."

Clark and Reese have faced off against each other since their AAU days in high school. Many forget that Reese went to Maryland and her Terrapins team beat Clark and Iowa twice before she transferred to LSU. The Daily Iowan notes that Reese is also just fine playing the villain, saying "I'll take the hit for it. But I know Caitlin and I are growing the women's game. You either like it or you don't."

One thing that Clark and Reese are both known for? Trash talking. Much has been made of comments both have made while on the court. The Daily Iowan reports that Caitlin notes that she and Angel aren't the only trash talkers out there. She said that it is part of what makes the game fun for players and viewers. Clark noted that she and Reese share the same competitive fire and will do anything it takes to win.

Tonight, Iowa takes on LSU, this time for a birth in the Final Four. The last time they met it was the most-watched game in the history of women's college basketball. Some fans tonight will be cheering for Caitlin Clark. Others will rally behind Angel Reese. Is this a Magic versus Bird moment for women's basketball? Possibly. But whatever you call it, sit back tonight and enjoy. This is sports history.

LET'S GO HAWKS!