LSU and Iowa was marred by several controversies and storylines. One of the most significant controversies was the taunting of Iowa's Caitlin Clark by LSU star Angel Reese, which received widespread criticism on social media. During her post-game press conference, Reese argued that there was a double standard for what she did, and that the media was quick to criticize her because she didn't fit the narrative. She also pointed out that she didn't hear any criticism about others doing the same celebrations. Reese praised Clark as a talented player but said that she does not take disrespect lightly and that Clark had disrespected her SEC teammates.
The game itself was also controversial, with fans criticizing the officiating and the fouls called against Iowa's Monika Czinano and Caitlin Clark. Many fans felt that the calls were unfair and that the LSU player had flopped to draw a foul on Clark. Despite these controversies, LSU's secondary players stepped up and stole the show in the first half, building a significant lead that proved insurmountable for Iowa to overcome. The team's biggest stars, Alexis Morris, LaDazhia Williams, and Angel Reese, made key shots that put Iowa away for good.
Iowa's two biggest stars, Caitlin Clark and Monika Czinano, were limited by foul trouble in the first half, with Czinano fouling out early in the fourth quarter. Clark also received a technical foul that frustrated fans, with many arguing that the call was unjustified. Despite Clark's impressive performances in the last two games, LSU's basketball team was much-anticipated and proved to be a formidable opponent for Iowa.
Overall, the game between LSU and Iowa was overshadowed by controversies and criticisms of the officiating. However, LSU's strong performance and the impressive play of its secondary players ultimately proved to be the decisive factor in securing the victory
