ESPN Just Dropped A Fire Hype Video For The Much-Anticipated Iowa-LSU Rematch

ESPN released an epic new hype video on Monday for the much-anticipated Iowa vs. LSU rematch in the women’s college basketball Elite 8.

Last year, after pulling off an epic upset of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four, Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes fell one game short of the national championship when they lost to the LSU Tigers 102-85.

Near the end of the game, LSU star Angel Reese mocked Clark on the court and sparked a slew of criticism for displaying what many thought was poor sportsmanship.

As a result, Monday night’s game between Clark’s Hawkeyes and Reese’s Tigers is the one women’s college basketball fans have been wanting to see for almost a full calendar year.

Befitting such a monumental event, ESPN, which will air the game at 7 p.m. Eastern, put together a video that has fans worked up into a frenzy of anticipation for Monday’s tilt.

While many in the media have tried to portray Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark as actual enemies in real life, the LSU big made it crystal clear this past weekend that it’s simply not true.

“It’s not Angel versus Caitlin tomorrow,” Reese said on Sunday. “It’s LSU versus Iowa.”

Reese also clarified, “Trash talking is okay, but not taking it personal off the court. I love Caitlin and I love her game. I admire everything she’s done.

“A lot of times some players don’t even say anything back so it’s no fun. But I know me and Caitlin will go at it if anything. Just out of competition though. She wants to win, I want to win and we’re both two super great players and want to compete.”

Another LSU Star, Flau’jae Johnson, was also extremely complimentary of Caitlin Clark, who she will be tasked with guarding much of the night on Monday.

“She’s just a great player,” Johnson said. “Last year I got to switch on her early in the game, and I was like, ‘She’s not going to pull that for real,’ and then she pulled it for real from half court, and she made it. I was like, whoa. Kind of had spurts and moments getting in switches with her.

“So it’ll be a good display for me. It’s just like I want to compete at the highest level, and right now Caitlin is the highest level. So if I can defend her, try to contain her and get the win, we’ll be fine. There’s no stopping her, but containing her, I’m going to take on that challenge.”

Clark, for her part, also relishes the challenge.

“Anytime you go up against somebody that’s super-competitive and has that same drive and will to win, that’s what you love, that’s what competitors love,” Clark said. “These type of games is what makes our game so great, it’s what people want to turn on the TV and watch. I expect the viewership numbers to be through the roof for this.”