lsu tigers women’s basketball vs iowa hawkeyes women’s basketball match player stats

lsu tigers women's basketball vs iowa hawkeyes women's basketball match player stats
3 weeks ago

The Elite Eight stage of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament brought the LSU Tigers and Iowa Hawkeyes together for an intense and highly anticipated matchup. The game was set against a backdrop of rivalry and high expectations, featuring two teams that had proven themselves as top contenders through a season of relentless competition.

Both teams had fought through the tournament with strategic precision, anchored by standout players Caitlin Clark of Iowa and Angel Reese of LSU. Each team’s fans, coaches, and analysts waited eagerly to see how the clash would unfold.

This game was memorable not only for its high score of 94-87 in favor of Iowa but also for the individual performances that defined the outcome. Caitlin Clark led Iowa with a remarkable 41-point game, setting records with her accuracy from the three-point line and showcasing playmaking prowess. On the other side, Angel Reese of LSU put forth a dominant defensive and rebounding performance, capturing 20 rebounds alongside her 17 points, anchoring LSU’s efforts in the paint. Flau’jae Johnson’s scoring consistency and Kate Martin’s timely contributions were also pivotal for their respective teams.

Game Overview and Key Stats

The LSU Tigers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Elite Eight game proved to be an intense showdown that highlighted both offensive and defensive talents. Iowa ultimately triumphed with a score of 94-87, but it was far from an easy win. Each team brought its best players to the forefront, creating a series of back-and-forth runs that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Iowa’s ability to maintain control during pivotal moments, especially in the third quarter, played a significant role in their eventual victory.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the top player performances that set the tone for the game:

PlayerTeamPointsReboundsAssistsBlocksNotable Plays
Caitlin ClarkIowa415121Nine three-pointers
Angel ReeseLSU172023Dominated rebounds, fouled out late
Flau’jae JohnsonLSU23630Efficient scoring, consistent shooting
Kate MartinIowa21640Consistent field goals

Caitlin Clark’s Star Performance

Caitlin Clark’s performance stood out as one of the best in the Elite Eight round, showcasing her scoring and playmaking abilities in remarkable fashion. Her 41-point game, which included nine three-pointers, became a highlight of the night. The stats alone don’t fully capture Clark’s ability to impact the game; her three-point shooting kept LSU’s defense stretched, creating openings for her teammates and keeping Iowa’s offensive momentum strong.

lsu tigers women's basketball vs iowa hawkeyes women's basketball match player stats

Clark’s Key Contributions and Playmaking

Three-Point Precision: Clark’s nine three-pointers provided a major advantage for Iowa. She shot efficiently from beyond the arc, catching LSU defenders off guard and shifting their focus away from Iowa’s inside game.

Facilitating Offense: With 12 assists, Clark proved she was more than just a scorer. Her ability to set up plays and involve her teammates added layers to Iowa’s offense, helping her team maintain a fast-paced rhythm and capitalize on LSU’s defensive gaps.

Clark’s strategic approach in the third quarter was especially critical. During a decisive 15-5 run, her consistent shooting and ability to control the ball allowed Iowa to expand their lead, which forced LSU to play catch-up for the remainder of the game.

Angel Reese’s Command in the Paint

Angel Reese brought unparalleled energy and defensive prowess to the LSU Tigers, especially in her control over the boards. With a staggering 20 rebounds and three blocks, Reese became the foundation of LSU’s paint defense, standing out as a key reason Iowa had difficulty driving to the basket. Reese’s physicality and rebounding were instrumental, giving LSU more scoring opportunities and keeping the team within striking distance throughout the game.

Reese’s Impact on Defense and Offense

Rebound Dominance: Reese’s ability to secure both offensive and defensive rebounds gave LSU second-chance points and prevented Iowa from getting easy offensive rebounds. Her rebounds were often contested, showing her strength and tenacity in crowded situations.

Defensive Blocks: With three blocks in crucial moments, Reese served as a shot deterrent, effectively halting Iowa’s attempts to score in the paint. Her presence forced Iowa to rely more on outside shooting, which became a key aspect of the game’s rhythm.

However, Reese fouled out late in the game, which affected LSU’s ability to defend against Iowa’s closing offensive efforts. This shift in the lineup left LSU vulnerable, ultimately allowing Iowa to secure a victory.

Flau’jae Johnson’s Offensive Contribution

Flau’jae Johnson emerged as a consistent scorer for LSU, providing essential points that balanced out Reese’s defensive role. Johnson’s 23 points, alongside six rebounds and three assists, underscored her effectiveness on both ends of the court. Her efficient shooting from mid-range and beyond helped LSU keep pace with Iowa’s aggressive offense.

Johnson’s Key Role in the Game

Scoring Efficiency: Johnson shot 10-18 from the field, which allowed LSU to remain competitive in scoring even when their defense struggled to contain Clark’s offense.

Versatile Performance: With her three assists and ability to play off the ball, Johnson added value in both creating shots and setting up plays, showing her adaptability and skill as a well-rounded player.

Johnson’s scoring in the second quarter helped LSU close the gap on Iowa’s lead, creating tension in the game and allowing LSU to stay competitive. Her presence provided LSU with a necessary boost and added pressure on Iowa’s defense.

Kate Martin’s Steady Support for Iowa

While Caitlin Clark captured much of the spotlight, Kate Martin’s contributions were no less significant. With 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists, Martin was a dependable scorer and defender, adding consistency to Iowa’s gameplay. Martin’s ability to hit crucial shots and support Clark in offense allowed Iowa to maintain control, especially when LSU mounted a comeback attempt in the fourth quarter.

Martin’s Role in Iowa’s Balanced Approach

Reliable Shooting: Martin’s shooting consistency was essential in keeping Iowa ahead, particularly when LSU rallied in the third quarter. Her field goals added to Iowa’s score without requiring Clark to take on all scoring responsibilities.

Rebounding and Defense: Martin’s six rebounds and timely defensive plays supported Iowa’s transition game, turning missed LSU shots into offensive opportunities.

Martin’s contributions reflected the depth of Iowa’s lineup, showcasing how important a balanced team approach can be in high-stakes games. Her role extended beyond just scoring, as she consistently created and seized opportunities for Iowa.

Key Plays and Game-Changing Moments

The matchup was filled with crucial plays that shifted momentum between the teams. Below are some of the standout turning points in the game:

Iowa’s Third-Quarter Surge: The third quarter saw Iowa pull ahead with a 15-5 run, largely led by Caitlin Clark’s sharpshooting. Clark’s ability to hit back-to-back three-pointers put Iowa ahead, forcing LSU to adjust their defense and make up ground.

Reese’s Foul-Out: Angel Reese’s departure from the game due to fouls was a significant blow to LSU’s defense. With her out of the lineup, LSU struggled to contain Iowa’s offense, leaving gaps that the Hawkeyes exploited in the final minutes.

Johnson’s Mid-Game Impact: Flau’jae Johnson’s scoring burst in the second quarter was instrumental in keeping LSU close to Iowa’s score. Her timely points allowed LSU to maintain momentum, even as Iowa ramped up their offensive efforts.

Closing Minutes Strategy: Iowa’s decision to rely on Clark’s control of the ball in the final minutes of the game was key to their victory. By keeping the ball in Clark’s hands, Iowa minimized turnovers and kept LSU from seizing opportunities to close the gap.


Final Analysis and Key Takeaways

The Elite Eight game between LSU and Iowa was a testament to the talent, determination, and strategic skill on both teams. Caitlin Clark’s record-setting performance set the tone for Iowa’s win, while Angel Reese’s resilience and rebounding underscored LSU’s competitive spirit. Both teams’ rosters displayed depth, with players like Flau’jae Johnson and Kate Martin adding valuable contributions that shaped the game.

Iowa’s victory was a testament to their ability to execute under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances, especially after Reese’s foul-out left LSU shorthanded. The game will be remembered for its fast pace, thrilling plays, and the individual brilliance displayed by players on both sides.

Ultimately, this matchup showcased why both teams are among the best in NCAA women’s basketball. The performances on the court set a high bar for the remainder of the tournament and highlighted the exceptional skill and athleticism that defines women’s college basketball today

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