The rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark became emblematic of the intensity and skill that defines women’s college basketball. Their story reached a peak during the 2023 National Championship Game at the American Airlines Center in April, where LSU’s Lady Tigers claimed victory, largely due to a well-devised game plan. In LSU’s Amazon Prime docuseries *The Money Game*, Angel Reese, the 2023 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (MOP), opened up about the team’s strategy, which wasn’t centered on shutting down Clark entirely but neutralizing her supporting cast.
In Episode 2 of *The Money Game*, fans get a behind-the-scenes look at LSU’s championship journey. In a game that broke attendance records, Clark opened with a deep three-pointer, demonstrating why she had been the most talked-about player heading into the Finals. However, Reese and her team remained unfazed by Clark’s brilliance, expecting her to dominate in scoring. According to Reese, LSU’s focus was never on stopping Clark from getting 30 points but on ensuring the rest of Iowa’s players didn’t contribute enough to tip the balance in their favor.
This strategy paid off. While Clark delivered an impressive 30 points during her 35 minutes on the court, the rest of her teammates struggled. Iowa’s second-highest scorers for the night, Monika Czinano and Kate Martin, could only manage 13 points each. Reese expressed her confidence in LSU’s victory even before the game began, reinforcing how their strategy revolved around limiting the other Hawkeye players from having standout performances. This defensive approach allowed LSU to win the championship despite Clark’s individual brilliance.
At the time, LSU entered the final as underdogs, with many believing Iowa held the advantage, especially after Clark’s consecutive 41-point games leading up to the showdown. Her performances had been instrumental in Iowa’s stunning Final Four victory over previously unbeaten South Carolina. However, in the championship game, LSU’s team effort proved to be stronger than Clark’s one-woman show. Reese recorded a crucial double-double, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds. She received strong support from Jasmine Carson, who led the scoring with 22 points, Alexis Morris with 21, and LaDazhia Williams who added 20.
Freshman Flau’jae Johnson, who was also part of LSU’s core group, played a pivotal role in the team’s success, contributing 10 points and 7 rebounds in the championship game. Reflecting on the team’s improbable victory, Johnson shared her emotions in *The Money Game*, saying, “We won the national championship. Against all odds. There is nothing better than that. Nothing.” For Johnson and her teammates, the triumph represented a collective effort, proving that a team-first mentality could prevail, even when facing a player as dominant as Clark.
While much of the media attention following the game focused on Reese’s “You Can’t See Me” gesture towards Clark, the game itself became historic for other reasons. The championship set viewership records, with 9.9 million people tuning in to watch the finale. This number was surpassed during their rematch the following year, where 12.3 million people watched the two teams face off again in the Elite Eight stage.
In the aftermath, Reese and her Lady Tigers solidified their place in NCAA history, showcasing how a well-executed game plan and a united team effort could overcome even the most formidable of opponents. Although LSU couldn’t replicate the same magic in their rematch the following year, their 2023 championship win remains a testament to their ability to outthink and outplay a team led by one of the sport’s biggest stars, Caitlin Clark.
Reese’s tactical brilliance and LSU’s triumph against a seemingly unstoppable Iowa team will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in women’s college basketball.
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