Caitlin Clark and Iowa secure revenge for their title game defeat by defeating LSU in the Elite Eight.

Nearly twelve months after LSU shattered the hopes of Caitlin Clark and Iowa’s national title aspirations, the Hawkeyes took a significant stride towards that ambition with a commanding victory over the Tigers on Monday evening.

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Clark, who poured in 30 points during the defeat a year ago, delivered an even more impressive performance this time, notching 41 points in a 94-87 triumph that propelled Iowa back into the Final Four. Additionally, she equaled an NCAA tournament record by sinking nine three-pointers.

The standout guard also distributed 12 assists and narrowly missed out on a triple-double in the game. Kate Martin contributed 21 points for the Hawkeyes, while Sydney Affolter added 16, securing their places in the Final Four in Cleveland this coming weekend.

Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow recorded double-doubles for LSU, with Reese tallying 17 points and 20 rebounds before fouling out in the fourth quarter, while Morrow contributed 14 points and 14 boards. However, their efforts fell short as the Tigers missed out on a Final Four berth in defense of their national title.

Iowa got off to a strong start in the first quarter, building a 26-21 lead, but LSU closed the quarter with a 10-0 run, led by Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, and Mikaylah Williams, to take a five-point advantage.

LSU faced a scare in the second quarter when Reese landed awkwardly after attempting to block a shot from Clark. Although she returned to the game, Reese struggled to find her rhythm, allowing Iowa to level the score at 45-45 by halftime.

Iowa’s three-point shooting resurgence in the third quarter, with Clark draining four shots from beyond the arc, propelled them to a 69-58 lead heading into the final quarter.

Iowa awaits the winner of the Monday night clash between USC and UConn in the semifinals. Meanwhile, North Carolina State and undefeated South Carolina will battle it out in the other semifinal, with the championship game scheduled for Sunday.