Iowa star Caitlin Clark has leapt to the defence of Angel Reese after the shooting guard’s on-court antics in LSU’s NCAA Championship victory over the Hawkeyes on Sunday night.
Reese has faced criticism for taunting Clark with the infamous John Cena ‘you can’t see me’ gesture in the closing minutes of the Tigers' 102-85 win. But Clark, who herself was seen ribbing opponents with the same gesture in the earlier rounds of the tournament, defended Reese and put the altercation down to old fashioned competition.
“I don't think Angel should be criticised at all.” The 21-year-old told ESPN. "No matter what way it goes, she should never be criticised for what she did. I compete, she competed. “It was a super, super fun game. I think that's what's going to bring more people to our game”
Clark has been the name of everybody’s lips after a series of show stopping performances in Iowa’s run to the final of the NCAA tournament. A native of the state, Clark recorded 30 points, eight assists and two rebounds as her squad came unstuck against the Tigers who won the maiden national title in LSU’s history.
"I think the biggest thing is we're all competitive. We all show our emotions in a different way.” She added. “Angel is a tremendous, tremendous player. I have nothing but respect for her. I love her game, the way she rebounds the ball, scores the ball is absolutely incredible. I'm a big fan of her and even the entire LSU team.
"Like I said, they played an amazing game so I don't think there should be any criticism for what she did. I honestly didn't see it when the game was going on and like I said, I haven't been on social media really at all."
Reese is unlikely to be fazed by her vocal detractors online, the 20-year-old made it clear she wouldn't apologise post-match and has maintained her defiance in the days following the result, and even drew support from LeBron James.
“All year I was critiqued about who I was,” Reese told reporters after Sunday’s final win. “I don’t fit the narrative, I don’t fit in the box that y'all want me to be in. I’m too hood, I’m too ghetto. Y’all told me that all year.
“But when other people do it y’all don’t say nothing. So this is for the girls that look like me, that are going to speak up on what they believe in. It’s unapologetically you and that’s what I did it for tonight. This was bigger than me tonight. Twitter is going to go on a rage every time but I’m happy, I feel like I’ve helped grow women’s basketball this year.
“I’m super happy and excited so I’m looking forward to celebrating and then next season.” Reese also enjoyed a stellar campaign of collegiate basketball by registering a NCAA record of 34 double-doubles in a single season.
