After a year of waiting, the anticipated rematch is set for Monday evening as the favored Iowa confronts LSU, the third seed, in the Elite Eight clash in Albany, New York.

Despite being the reigning champion, LSU is heading into this rematch as a 2.5-point underdog from last year’s title game.

Throughout the 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament, the Tigers (31-5) have managed to sustain their hopes for a successful defense amidst the persistent buzz surrounding a controversial report concerning Kim Mulkey‘s coaching techniques.

Conversely, Iowa (32-4) has smoothly advanced through the initial rounds, undisturbed by the intense focus on standout Caitlin Clark.

TRENDING

In the opening lines, Iowa was favored by 1.5 points at BetMGM. Nevertheless, the scenario altered by a full point as the Hawkeyes gained support from 76 percent of the spread-line bets. Despite this, regarding the moneyline, the action has been evenly divided, with LSU securing 51 percent of the funds at +105 compared to Iowa’s 49 percent at -130.

Regarding the prop bets, the Under at 167.5 points has been a significant favorite, attracting 74 percent of all bets and 79 percent of the total money wagered.

PROP PICK

Caitlin Clark Under 32.5 Points (-105 at DraftKings): With an average of 31.7 points per game, Clark has consistently scored at least 20 points in 46 consecutive games. However, she has not surpassed the 32-point mark during the initial three tournament games, maintaining an average of 29.3 points and a 3-point shooting rate of just 32.3 percent.

While Iowa relies heavily on Clark’s performance Monday night, betting on her to score over 32.5 against a formidable opponent is indeed a lofty expectation.

THE NEWS

In last year’s title showdown, LSU claimed victory with a score of 102-85, where Angel Reese achieved a double-double by scoring 15 points and securing 10 rebounds.

Of note, Reese garnered attention by imitating professional wrestler John Cena’s “You can’t see me” hand gesture towards Clark as the game culminated.

The rivalry and rapport between Reese and Clark, who had both utilized the same gesture against opponents in earlier matches, became a prominent discussion topic in the national arena.

“There’s definitely that competitive fire,” Clark said. “Both of us want to win more than anything, and that’s how it should be when you’re a competitor and you get into a situation like this, whether it was the national championship, whether it’s the Elite Eight.”

“I think that’s the main similarity is how competitive we are. We both grew up loving this game, and w

The championship match garnered a record viewership for an NCAA women’s basketball game, with 9.9 million viewers tuning in on ABC and ESPN2. Once again, all eyes are on these players for Monday’s regional final, broadcast on ESPN.

“Anytime you have a chance to go up against somebody you lost to, it brings a little more energy,” Clark said. “I think overall, it’s just going to be a really great game for women’s basketball.”

With a shift in the Tigers’ roster due to the exits of last year’s top three scorers – LaDazhia Williams, Jasmine Carson, and Alexis Morris, Aneesah Morrow (16.5 ppg), Mikaylah Williams (14.4 ppg), and Hailey Van Lith (11.7 ppg) have taken on crucial roles.

“I just think they shoot the 3-ball; they rebound so well,” Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said. “You’ve got five people averaging in double figures. That’s really hard to guard when you have that kind of balance.”

Clark’s supporting ensemble includes Hannah Stuelke (14.0 ppg), who stepped in for last year’s second-highest scorer Monika Czinano, along with Gabbie Marshall (6.2 ppg) and Kate Martin (12.8 ppg).

Regrettably, Molly Davis, sidelined since March 3 due to a knee injury, is unlikely to participate in Monday’s game.

KEY STATS

Clark, having accumulated a remarkable 3,859 points in her illustrious career, is heading into the rematch following a noteworthy 29-point performance in Iowa’s 89-68 victory over Colorado on Saturday.

THEY SAID IT

“I think people just take it like we hate each other. Me and Caitlin Clark don’t hate each other. I want everybody to understand that. It’s just a super-competitive game.”

“Once I get between those lines, there’s no friends. I’m going to talk trash to you. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get in your head the whole entire game, but after the game, we can kick it.”

“I don’t think people really realize that.”

—Reese, who said Sunday that there is no personal animosity with Clark.