LSU Tigers win the program's first-ever national championship
The GIST: The Tigers hoisting their first-ever program natty trophy after besting Iowa 102–85 yesterday capped off a tourney full of firsts, including on- and off-court record-setting and an undeniable, palpable hype surrounding the women’s game. Welcome to the party.
Championship game recap: LSU definitely brought the confidence and the buckets, putting up the most points ever scored in the women ’s title game. Leading the way? Senior Jasmine Carson, who came off the bench (!!!) and dropped a team-high 22 points.
- Iowa’s superstar Caitlin Clark (30 points) broke records of her own, namely for most points scored in a single women’s or men’s tourney but spent much of the game on the sidelines due to questionable foul calls.
- Speaking of, controversial refereeing was unfortunately a major factor in this one. LSU star Angel Reese notched an NCAA record 34th double-double despite also playing limited minutes, plus two Iowa starters fouled out. Brutal.
Looking ahead: Yesterday’s biggest stars, Reese and Clark, both just completed their third collegiate seasons, meaning they’ll be battling (and trash talking) for at least one more year.
- And LSU head coach Kim Mulkey will be looking to cement her on-court legacy after leading the Tigers to a title in just her second year at the helm. Now if only she could turn her own sh!t around off the court.
Zooming out: Record-breaking viewership, an all-time attendance record, sky-high demand for tickets — as if we needed further proof, this tourney demonstrated once again that women’s sports are the moment. That said, coverage of and fan reaction to LSU’s swagger (plus No. 1 overall seed South Carolina’s play) has been tainted by misogynoir.
- As WNBA legend Sue Bird said after Friday’s Final Four, “We’re watching history.” Now it’s up to allies, fans and media to record it fairly.
