The LSU Tigers are headed to a tough Elite Eight matchup as they’re set to face against the Iowa Hawkeyes tonight. While they have the psychological advantage after taking down the Hawkeyes in the national championship last year, they know that Caitlin Clark is a different beast this year.
Kim Mulkey knows that this is easily going to be one of the most-watched games in the entire tournament due to the many storylines that have developed between the two elite women’s basketball programs. However, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey shared one problem that she believes the rest of the country will agree with.
Kim Mulkey believes LSU Tigers-Iowa Hawkeyes rematch should be played at a bigger stage
Kim Mulkey shares her frustration with everyone that such a big game wasn’t going to be played at the highest level and won’t be held at one of the biggest stages of the tournament.
She shared her thoughts on the Elite Eight draw, per The Spun’s Andrew Holleran:
“This is not to take away from any other team remaining but I understand her point,” said Mulkey, who was agreeing with a comment made by Iowa’s head coach Lisa Bluder. “We talk about growing the game. Didn’t that national championship game have the highest ratings ever in women’s basketball? You’re probably going to anticipate this one will too but it needs to be at the Final Four.”
While it’s a bold claim to make while other teams are waiting on either elite team to make it to the Final Four, her point is understandable if you look at what happened last year.
LSU dominated Iowa in the 2023 title game
The LSU Tigers overwhelmed the Iowa Hawkeyes the last time they met in the 2023 national championship. It was a blowout of epic proportions as the Hawkeyes didn’t get to find any reply to Jasmine Carson’s 22 points off the bench, and their core players of LaDazhia Williams, Alexis Morris, and Angel Reese also produced at high levels.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark was the only standout performer among the Hawkeyes. Monika Czarino and Kate Martin tried their best to back up their star woman, but they failed to keep overcome LSU’s defense.
With new faces on both sides, fans can expect the duel to end differently. Fans will be hoping that this game is something that they wish happened in the FInal Four.
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