Kim Mulkey on LSU vs. Iowa rematch: 'This would be special if it was at the Final Four'

Women’s basketball is getting the rematch that it wanted. No. 1 Iowa and No. 3 LSU, last year’s two national finalists, will meet in the Elite Eight on Monday. However, according to both coaches, it’s a replay that should be happening one round later.

Kim Mulkey spoke about a comment by Lisa Bluder where she said it was ill-fated for the two to be meeting before the Final Four. Mulkey agreed, especially considering the audience and attention that last year’s title game drew in

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“This is not to take away from any other team remaining but I understand her point,” said Mulkey. “We talk about growing the game. Didn’t that national championship game have the highest ratings ever in women’s basketball? You’re probably going to anticipate this one will too but it needs to be at the Final Four.”

The rematch between Iowa and LSU will come exactly one day off from a year since their national title game. The Tigers won 102-85 in Dallas to secure their program’s first championship. It was also the fourth national championship for Mulkey, including her third in a span of a dozen years.

The contest had a spotlight on it because of its stars with Angel Reese (15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and a block) and Caitlin Clark (30 points, eight assists) leading the way. That focus then continued well on after the game with some of the actions and reactions on both sides.

Now, 365 days later, the Hawkeyes and Tigers will cross paths again. Iowa will do so as a No. 1 seed at 32-4 after winning the Big Ten Tournament and winning their first three in March Madness behind averages of 29.3 points, 9.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and two steals from Clark. LSU, at 31-5, will be there as well after some close contests in the bracket. That includes their latest victory over UCLA in the regional semifinals.

Getting this rematch on its own and in any context is great for the game, especially with the pressure of there being a spot in the Final Four on the line. Still, Mulkey agrees with Bluder in that she wishes it had even more weight to it by it being at some point in Cleveland rather than their regional in Albany.

“That may be what she’s talking about,” Mulkey said. “I’m not going to speak for her. But, man, this would be special if it was at the Final Four.”