Holly Rowe further explains rivalry between Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese

The best rivalry in women’s college basketball came to life during last year’s national championship. LSU‘s Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark of Iowa sparked quite a controversy online last season amidst the Tigers cutting down the nets for the first time in program history. And while it’s easy to believe two rivals and not fans of one another, Clark and Reese actually have a good relationship.

ESPN’s Holly Rowe further explained the rivalry, saying everything between Clark and Reese comes on the court. Both want to win at any cost and for 40 minutes, they are not friends.

However, when Iowa and LSU are not playing one another, Reese cheers for Clark and vice versa. The latest example was when Clark broke the NCAA scoring record despite surpassing an LSU men’s player.

“Angel Reese made it clear this week,” Rowe said during a pregame report. “She and Caitlin Clark do not hate each other. They’ve actually supported each other from afar. Angel sent out a great tweet when Caitlin broke the all-time scoring record. Caitlin has said ‘I think Angel is great.’

“They are just so fiery that when they step between the lines, there’s no friends. Two unapologetically, fiery young women facing off, both with something on the line.”

Some rivalries have a genuine dislike for one another, usually being rooted in a ton of history. Sporting rivalries are different though, especially when two teams (or players) are playing at the highest level.

Clark-Reese falls into the latter category, being a rivalry because of how well the two play on college basketball’s biggest stage. Last year’s women’s Final Four in Dallas, TX was a historical one and Reese is thankful the result went in her favor. Sometimes, competitors get fiery on the court and let their emotions pour out — true for any sport out there.

Neither girl will want to go home Monday night with a loss. The goal is to make the Final Four and continue on the trek of winning a national championship. It could be the final opportunity for both, with Clark 100% moving on to the WNBA and Reese having a decision to make once LSU loses.

But whoever winds up on the wrong end, there is a good chance they will be rooting for the other. However, over the next four quarters, the battle between the Clark and Reese is on in Albany.