Stop crying already: Iowa's Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese is good for women's basketball

The NCAA showdown became a showplace for the sport

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese delivered star performances, thrills and yes, trash talk.

Basketball fans experienced the feelings of excitement following the Hawkeye women’s basketball team finish a record-setting season a week ago as LSU won the NCAA championship 102-85 in Dallas, Texas.

Some suggested the atmosphere turned toward a playground game when Reese pointed at her ring finger and made the John Cena-famous “You can’t see me” gesture toward Clark. Others said it was only fair, since Clark — like Reese an intense competitor — can get in the heads of opponents.

Welcome to big time women’s college basketball. And something that will grow the game.

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark shoots over LSU’s Kateri Poole in the NCAA title game. (Photo courtesy UI Athletics.)

My opinion is this: Women’s college basketball reached a high point with nearly 10 million TV viewers (peak: 12.6 million), the most of any NCAA women’s final. The personalities of Clark vs. Reese became part of that.

Part of the reason we love sports is due to the intense competition, rivalries and personalities of the game. Imagine NASCAR without Earnhardt vs. Gordon, baseball without Yankees vs. Red Sox, tennis without Navratilova vs. Evert.

In 1979, Michigan State topped Indiana State in the men’s NCAA basketball final. It brought together stars Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. The rivalry between the two players brought interest to the sport in terms of fan interest, marketing opportunities and ticket sales. As Magic joined the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and Bird became a Boston Celtic, the rising tide of their popularity made an impact.

When you look at the Clark and Reese showdown, there’s potential to bring excitement to the women’s game.

Iowa’s Molly Davis drives to the basketball while LSU’s Angel Reese defends. (Photo courtesy UI Athletics.)