ALBANY, N.Y. — It's time for a rematch: Almost exactly a year after the Iowa women lost to LSU in the 2023 NCAA Championship game, the two teams will face off again.
The 1-seed Iowa women's basketball team will face 3-seed LSU in the Albany 2 Regional final on Monday.
All eyes will be on Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, two of women's basketball's biggest stars. Last year, the pair made headlines when Reese pointed to her ring finger while looking at Clark, symbolizing the Tigers' impending championship ring.
Reese also waved her hand in front of her face while staring Clark down, a gesture that Clark had used just a few games earlier.
Some fans criticized Reese for her behavior in the game. However, both Clark and Reese have said there is no bad blood between them.
"I don't think Angel should be criticized at all," Clark told ESPN after the game. "No matter what way it goes, she should never be criticized for what she did. I compete, she competed."
Reese also congratulated Clark when she became the NCAA's all-time women's basketball scoring leader, writing on X, "KEEP BREAKING RECORDS & MAKING HER-STORY!"
Beyond just Clark and Reese, however, there's a lot to watch in this Elite Eight matchup. LSU lost three of its top scorers from last year: Forward LaDazhia Williams and guards Jasmine Carson and Alexis Morris.
In addition, the Hawkeyes boast a strong starting lineup heading into the Elite Eight, consisting of Clark, Hannah Stuelke, Gabbie Marshall, Kate Martin and Sydney Affolter. All five starters scored in double figures in Saturday's Sweet 16 game against Colorado.
Iowa senior starter Molly Davis, who suffered a knee injury on March 3, is not expected to play.
When do the Iowa women play in the Elite Eight?
The Iowa women will play No. 3 LSU in the Albany 2 Regional final on Monday, April 1 at 6 p.m.. The game comes two days after the Hawkeyes defeated Colorado.
The game will take place at MVP Arena in Albany.
How to watch the Iowa vs. LSU game
The Iowa-LSU game will be broadcast on ESPN.