Angel Reese’s kind message to Caitlin Clark after Elite Eight contest emerges

After LSU’s 94-87 loss to Iowa, Angel Reese took a moment to give Caitlin Clark her flowers after an incredible 41-point performance to propel the Hawkeyes to the Final Four

Angel Reese revealed what she told Caitlin Clark as the two stars walked past each other in the handshake line after the buzzer sounded in Albany. As the transcendent stars gave pleasantries to other players, Reese took an extra moment to whisper something into Clark’s ear before the two went to their separate locker rooms.

Speaking to reporters after LSU’s 94-87 loss to Iowa, Reese shared what she told Clark and what the latter told the former in return in their very brief moment together. “She just told me, ‘Continue to be a great player,'” Reese revealed. “And I told her, ‘Continue to be a great player, as well, and keep elevating the game and go win it.'”

Contrary to public speculation, Reese’s rivalry with Clark does not extend beyond the court.

 

“Me and Cailtin Clark don’t hate each other,” Reese told reporters. “I want everybody to understand that. It’s just a super-competitive game., and I just wish people would realize that once I get between those lines, there’s no friends.

“I have plenty of friends on the court that I talk to outside of the game, but when I get between those lines, we’re not friends, we’re not buddies. 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 also understands that some fans might consider her the “villain,” a title she gladly accepts. “I’ll take the hit for it, but I know we’re growing women’s basketball,” she continued. “If this is the way we’re going to do it, then this is the way we’re going to do it. You either like it or you don’t.”

 

That said, some fans have gone overboard over the past year, hurling abuse at Reese on social media.

Even though LSU did not emerge victorious against Iowa, Reese gave appreciation for being part of the massive women’s basketball game, especially with so much on the line.

“I think it’s just great for the sport, just being able to be part of history,” Reese said. “Like I said, no matter which way it went tonight, I know this was going to be a night for the ages. And just being able to be a part of history is great. Player against another great player, of course, is always amazing.”

 

LSU’s legendary head coach Kim Mulkey also gave Clark her flowers after her 41-point outburst to help push Iowa to the Final Four.

“She’s just a generational player and she just makes everybody around her better,” Mulkey explained. “That’s what the great ones do. I think they had a kid who had 21 and 18, she had 12 assists. Caitlin Clark isn’t going to beat you by yourself … It’s what she does to make those other teammates better that helps her score points and them score points to beat you.

“What did I say to her [after the game]? I said, ‘I sure am glad you leaving.’ I said, ‘Girl, you something else. Never seen anything like it.’ ”