Viewership record on the line tonight
LSU-Iowa rematch a heavyweight battle
This year it’s not just about the final result for me. A women’s basketball viewership record is on the line tonight!
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have become household names. Whether we’re talking about their performances at an elite level, or some of the trash talk that took place last year and leaked into this year.
Add in the ingredient of an outspoken and flamboyant coach, and a nation eager to soak in the drama, and we’ve got the perfect matchup tonight.
9.9 Million
That is the number of people who watched last year, an annihilation of the previous record set by South Carolina and UConn the previous year when 4.85 million tuned in.
This year, it feels as more is at stake, despite this not being a title rematch. Many will tune in after the scathing LA Times article centered on Kim Mulkey, presumably to root against her.
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Who’s more under pressure?
Take the stakes out of the question. Who has more to prove? LSU won the title last year. However, as much as Clark has accomplished, she gets no pass if she can’t secure a title. Just like in men’s sports, we recognize greatness but also place an asterisk when they don’t get the ring.
The breakdown
Point spread (from MyBookie Sportsbook): Iowa -1.5
Over/under: 168.5
Moneyline: Iowa -134, LSU +110
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Although they may not acknowledge it, the LSU team excels when faced with the ‘us against the world’ dynamic. The players understand that only those loyal to the purple and gold support them, which they accept. Mulkey is recognized as one of the top coaches nationwide, with credentials comparable only to Geno Auriemma of Connecticut and Dawn Staley of South Carolina. She is also arguably the most exceptional motivator in the sport.
Is Iowa ready?
Both Iowa and LSU have strong motivations heading into this game. Iowa seeks revenge for last year’s defeat in the title game, while LSU is also likely to play with determination to prove they’re still better.
Iowa boasts the game’s top scorer wearing their school’s name on her chest, but we must also recognize the capabilities of Reese and the Tigers’ frontcourt players. LSU’s physicality was a significant factor in their previous victory over Iowa, and it could prove decisive once more in this upcoming matchup.
The Breakdown
LSU may potentially lack the same level of three-point shooting proficiency as Iowa. However, the team holds a significant advantage in the paint, especially if Reese manages to avoid foul trouble.
Players like Flau’jae Johnson and Hailey Van Lith possess the skill to compete with the Hawkeyes, especially if they maintain their recent shooting performance. It appears that many prognosticators have already assumed Clark will emerge victorious in the Albany 2 Region.
It’s not my call to make, but this game is shaping up to be a doozy.
GoldBoys.com on Twitter: “IOWA VS LSU PART 2 TONIGHT Who’s winning? pic.twitter.com/43mX9RrS05 / Twitter”
IOWA VS LSU PART 2 TONIGHT Who’s winning? pic.twitter.com/43mX9RrS05
My prediction
I’m not going to predict a winner. I’m predicting a new viewer record. Baseball just started. The men are off until Saturday. There’s a bit of a lull in the action. Anyone remotely a sports fan is likely to tune in. Every basketball fan should be tuning in.
I’m predicting they eclipse 10 million. I can’t wait, it should be epic!