Iowa women's basketball vs LSU recap: Highlights from 2024 Elite 8 game (2024)

Caitlin Clark and No. 1 seed Iowa women's basketball have dethroned 2023 national champion and No. 3 seed LSU, this time in the 2024 NCAA Tournament Elite 8.

Clark was terrific with 41 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds. She also tied the NCAA Tournament record for 3s made in a game with nine, and broke the NCAA record for triples made in a career (540), and set tournament records for made 3s and assists.

Check below and refresh the page to follow live game updates, highlights and analysis.

GAME STORY:Caitlin Clark guides Iowa women's basketball back to Final Four with win over LSU

FINAL: Iowa 94, LSU 87

A truly tremendous performance by Iowa has the team back in the Final Four.

The Hawkeyes will play the winner of No. 1 seed vs. No. 3 seed UConn, which will begin shortly after this game on ESPN.

Q4/0:59 Iowa 88, LSU 76 - It's over

Although Hannah Stuelke fouled out, so did Angel Reese.

Iowa has all but won this game and should advance to the Final Four.

Q4/1:55 Iowa 84, LSU 74 - Final stretch for Hawkeyes

Doing well to use clock and still score at a high rate, Iowa should pull out the win and avenge last year's championship loss.

Kate Martin (17 points) and Sydney Affolter (14 points) made several key plays.

Q4/4:49 Iowa 80, LSU 69 - Clark can't stop

Clark can't stop hitting deep, momentum-swinging 3s. She's now 9-for-18 from behind the arc and has 37 points, as well as 10 assists and seven rebounds.

It seems like every time LSU goes on a small run, Clark strikes back with a back-breaking triple from near the logo.

This is shaping up to be one of her best performances of the season.

End 3: Iowa 69, LSU 58 - Can Hawkeyes close it out?

Iowa is in the driver's seat, Clark has a hot hand and LSU is making increasingly more mental mistakes.

But both teams have key players with three fouls, and if one side is able to sideline players from the other, that lead to significant advantages in this final frame.

If Clark is on the floor, though, Iowa should be OK. She's been amazing and has 31 points and eight assists.

Q3/2:45 Iowa 65, LSU 52 - Hawkeyes in full control

Iowa is winning the third frame 20-7, passing and moving with purpose while LSU appears unsure and tense.

The Hawkeyes fans have also started executing unified chants in support of their team.

Iowa has done a great job on freshman forward Aneesha Morrow. She's 3-for-11 from the field.

Q3/4:35 Iowa 61, LSU 52 - Clark breaks caeeer 3s record

With her seventh triple of the game, Clark broke the NCAA record for most 3-pointers made in a career (538).

She has been stellar to start the second half, single-handily extending Iowa's lead on offense while her teammates clamp down defensively.

Multiple LSU guards are also now in foul trouble.

Q3/8:02 Iowa 55, LSU 49 - Clark taking over

Clark started the third quarter by making a deep, deep triple, and she forced a timeout after hitting a step-back 3.

She now has 25 points and is 5-of-10 from deep, playing much better and more efficiently than she did in this matchup a season ago.

The bad news for Hawkeyes fans is that Hannah Stuelke quickly went to the bench after picking up her third foul.

Halftime: Iowa 45, LSU 45 - Makings of an instant classic

What a game this has been thus far.

Iowa punches first, LSU punches back, and the sides trade punches all the way until the halftime buzzer.

Clark was terrific (19 points, 5 assists), combating Angel Reese (13 points, 8 rebounds), but the supporting Hawkeyes went cold over the final few minutes of the half.

Sydney Affolter (10 points) has once again been a huge addition to the starting lineup and hit a pair of triples. Kate Martin (5 points) and Hannah Stuelke (6 points), however, will need to be bigger contributors over the final 20 minutes.

LSU won the rebounding battle 23-16. That is a margin to monitor.

Q2/3:02 Iowa 37, LSU 38 - Teams trading buckets

Angel Reese, after fouling Clark on a layup, fell into camera row and appeared to suffer a lower body injury.

She hopped to the sideline, where she was examined, appeared to be in pain but never went to the locker room. Reese soon returned to the game and scored on her first touch, but is still visibly hobbled.

For Iowa, Hannah Stuelke got going with a pair of free throws and a layup, and Clark, after missing her last few shots, came through with a momentum-swinging triple in transition. She has 15 points.

Both teams appeared to have whether initial runs, and now the sides are going back and forth.

End 1: Iowa 26, LSU 31 - Tigers finish with a flurry

LSU took full control of the game over the final three minutes with a 10-0 run. Angel Reese did the bulk of the damage on both ends and already has 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.

The Tigers' size advantage also gave Iowa fits as the Hawkeyes lost the rebounding battle 12-5.

Clark did well with 11 points and three assists, but must continue to make 3s at a high clip while holding LSU to one shot each possession.

Q1/3:29 Iowa 25, LSU 21 - Tigers recover

LSU came out of its timeout refocused and with more emphasis on shooting near the rim. It worked, slowed the game down and halved its deficit.

But the Hawkeyes are still red-hot from deep. They've made 5-of-7 triples so far, with Clark, Gabbie Marshall Kate Martin and Sydney Affolter all contributing.

It's been an extremely exciting and offense-heavy start.

Q1/6:03 Iowa 17, LSU 9 - Perfect start for Hawkeyes

Clark got the game started with a 3-pointer on Iowa's first possession and scored a layup a couple possessions later. She took the Hawkeyes' first three shots, clearly trying to set the tone.

But the highlight of Iowa's hot start was Clark breaking a LSU player's ankles before hitting her second triple.

Iowa is establishing a fast pace, trying to dictate a play style that benefits the Hawkeyes and not the bigger, slower Tigers, who typically dominate the paint.

Q1/10:00 - Iowa vs. LSU Elite 8 is underway in Albany

Tip-off has commenced and the team's will battle for a spot in the Final Four against the winner of USC vs. UConn, set to be played after this game's conclusion.

Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese history explained

As there was entering last season's NCAA Tournament championship game, the Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese discourse has dominated women's college basketball discussion as the two prepare to meet again.

Several reporters have even compared them to the Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird college rivalry of the late 1970s, which helped spark the nation's obsession with basketball in the late 20th century.

But more specifically, Clark and Reese appeared contentious in last year's finals, with Reese taunting Clark in celebration of LSU's victory. Both players have since expressed respect and admiration for each other, but both players are elite, competitive and exhibit contrasting styles, which makes them easy for fans and media to put against one another.

Tonight will almost surely mark the final collegiate matchup of the two superstars as both are expected to enter the 2024 WNBA Draft.

More:Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese, explained: Iowa, LSU basketball stars to rematch in March Madness

Is Molly Davis playing today?

Molly Davis has not played since suffering an injury in Iowa women's basketball final regular-season game.

She is once again not expected to play tonight.

But Sydney Affolter has been terrific in her absence, blossoming in a newfound starting role. In six postseason outings, Affolter is averaging 13 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.

Full story:Sydney Affolter's breakout is changing the game for Iowa women's basketball: 'My time’s now'

Iowa women's basketball fans are ready for a rematch with LSU

See photos of the top Hawkeyes fans as they get ready for tonight's game.

What channel is Iowa women vs. LSU on today? How to watch, stream live

Iowa will tip off vs. LSU on ESPN.Streaming options include Sling TV. Announcers for the game are Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo, Holly Rowe.

More:What channel is Iowa vs LSU women on today? Time, TV schedule for March Madness game

Iowa women vs LSU start time, TV info, location

  • Start time:6 p.m. CT Monday, April 1
  • TV info:ESPN
  • Location:MVP Arena in Albany, N.Y.

Iowa women vs. LSU game preview

  • Leistikow: Everyone matters in Iowa women's basketball mission to take down LSU in Elite 8
  • LSU buildup allows Caitlin Clark, Iowa women's basketball to showcase mental maturity
  • Iowa women's basketball vs. LSU in March Madness: Who has the edge in 2024 NCAA Tournament Elite 8
  • Sydney Affolter's breakout is changing the game for Iowa women's basketball: 'My time’s now'
  • Caitlin Clark on LSU-Iowa March Madness rematch: 'It's so good for women's basketball'

Iowa vs LSU odds, betting line, spread

Odds according toBetMGM

  • Spread:Iowa -2.5 (+100), LSU +2.5 (-120)
  • Over/under:167.5
  • Moneyline:Iowa (-130), LSU (+110)

Iowa women vs LSU prediction, game picks

Iowa 92, LSU 89 — Although the Tigers have a physical matchup advantage over Iowa, the Hawkeyes are coming off their best performance of the tournament, while LSU might be more fatigued after a short turnaround from their grueling win over UCLA. Caitlin Clark has also regained her rhythm and the team around her is as confident as ever.

More:Iowa women's basketball vs. LSU in March Madness: Who has the edge in 2024 NCAA Tournament Elite 8

Iowa women vs LSU stats

Iowa

  • PPG:91.9
  • PPG allowed:71.1
  • FG%: 50%
  • 3PT%: 37.7%
  • NET ranking:5

LSU

  • PPG:85.9
  • PPG allowed:62.5
  • FG%: 46.5%
  • 3PT%: 32.7%
  • NET ranking:8

Iowa women vs LSU championship odds

Odds according toBetMGM:

  • Iowa (+600)
  • LSU (+800)

Iowa women's basketball schedule 2023-24

The past five games of Iowa women's 2023-24 basketball season. For the full schedule, clickhere

  • March 30 vs. Colorado (W, 89-68)
  • March 25 vs. West Virginia (W, 64-54)
  • March 23 vs. Holy Cross (W, 91-65)
  • March 10 vs. Nebraska (W, 94-89 OT)
  • March 9 vs. Michigan (W, 95-68)

LSU women's basketball schedule 2023-24

The past five games of LSU women's 2023-24 basketball season. For the full schedule, clickhere

  • March 30 vs. UCLA (W, 78-69)
  • March 24 vs. Middle Tennessee (W, 83-56)
  • March 22 vs. Rice (W, 70-60)
  • March 10 vs. South Carolina (L, 79-72)
  • March 9 vs. Ole Miss (W, 75-67)

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Gus Martin is a Digital Producer/Content Director for The Des Moines Register. Follow him on X at@GusMartin_DMR.

Iowa women's basketball vs LSU recap: Highlights from 2024 Elite 8 game (2024)

FAQs

Has Iowa women's basketball ever been to the elite 8? ›

Iowa women's basketball NCAA Tournament appearances

The Hawkeyes have 10 Sweet 16 appearances and six Elite Eights in their history.

What happened in the Iowa LSU game? ›

The transcendent star commanded the long-awaited rematch of last season's championship bout against No. 3 seed LSU with 41 points and 12 assists, contributing directly to 80 percent of Iowa's field goals and leading the Hawkeyes back to the Final Four with an 94-87 victory.

Did LSU take on Iowa in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament? ›

In a National Championship rematch, Iowa was able to defeat LSU to advance to the Hawkeyes' third ever Final Four. Watch the extended highlights from the Hawkeyes' victory here.

How many people watched the Iowa LSU game? ›

With the Hawkeyes avenging their defeat to the Tigers in last year's championship game, Monday night's Elite Eight game averaged a staggering 12.3 million viewers, blowing away the record 9.9 million viewers set by the two teams in last year's championship game.

How much does Caitlin Clark make? ›

We can talk about Caitlin Clark just because she was the No. 1 pick. Her four-year contract is going to be worth $338,000. But you compare that to the guy who was the No. 1 draft pick for the NBA in 2023. His four-year contract is worth $55 million.

Will Caitlin Clark go to the WNBA? ›

Iowa star Caitlin Clark announced Thursday this will be her final collegiate season as she will declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft. Clark, who recently passed Lynette Woodard to become the all-time leading scorer in Division I women's basketball history, is the projected No. 1 overall pick.

What did the LSU coach say to Caitlin? ›

Mulkey and Clark had a moment in the handshake line and the LSU coach said she told Iowa's star, "I sure am glad you're leaving. Girl you're something else.

Is Kim Mulkey currently married? ›

How many points did Caitlin Clark score yesterday? ›

Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, had some moments of brilliance Monday night, including a 33-foot 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Clark finished with 17 points on 5-of-11 shooting, dishing five assists and grabbing three rebounds. She also blocked two shots.

How many people watched LSU vs Iowa 2024? ›

A showdown for the ages brought in record ratings for ESPN. The Elite Eight contest — which had Caitlin Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes advance past Angel Reese's LSU Tigers — delivered a record 12.3 million viewers for the sports network on Monday night.

Who is favored to win, Iowa or LSU? ›

Hawkeyes

Has Iowa women's basketball ever played LSU? ›

Caitlin Clark can claim another record — the most-watched women's college basketball game in history. Iowa's 94-87 victory over LSU in the Elite Eight of the women's NCAA Tournament on Monday night averaged 12.3 million viewers on ESPN, according to Nielsen.

What is the most watched women's college basketball game of all time? ›

With final Nielsen reporting completed, Sunday's epic title bout between No. 1 women's seeds Iowa and South Carolina scored 18.9 million viewers, becoming the most-viewed women's college basketball game ever and ESPN platforms' most-viewed college basketball game (men's or women's) on record.

What is the most viewed basketball game ever? ›

Iowa-UConn women's Final Four match was most-watched basketball game in ESPN history.

What happened between LSU and Iowa? ›

When it was finally time for Iowa and LSU to face off on Monday, the game quickly became a thriller, going into halftime with the score knotted at 45 points. Iowa pulled away on the strength of Clark's 41 points and 12 assists, prevailing over LSU, 94-87, in MVP Arena in Albany, N.Y.

Has Iowa women's ever been to the championship? ›

– Lisa Bluder is 1-of-27 Division I women's basketball coaches to win 20+ games in the NCAA Tournament at one institution. – This marks Iowa's second trip to the national title in program history. – Clark was the first player in NCAA women's basketball history to lead the country in scoring and make the title game.

Has Iowa State ever been to Elite 8? ›

Prior to the 2017–18 season, Iowa State has a 1339–1293 all-time record, and has been to the NCAA Tournament nineteen times including five Sweet 16 appearances, an Elite 8 appearance, and a Final Four appearance. ISU has also won six regular conference titles and six conference tournament titles.

Has Iowa women's basketball ever been to the Final Four? ›

Iowa has three Final Fours in program history, reaching the final stages of the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season. The Hawkeyes had one other Final Four appearance in program history, coming during the 1993 season. Lisa Bluder, who is in her 24th season, is in her second-ever Final Four.

Who is the 8th grade girl basketball player in Iowa? ›

Meet Jenica Lewis, Iowa's 8th-grade basketball prodigy who already has 18 college offers. It's Jan. 7. Johnston boys basketball is hosting Valley for the first Friday night game of the new year.

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