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Caitlin Clark beats Angel Reese in highly anticipated WNBA showdown as Indiana Fever overcome Chicago Sky 71-70
Caitlin Clark got the upper hand over Angel Reese during their highly-anticipated rookie showdown.
The pair shared memorable battles at the collegiate level as LSU and Iowa met twice in the postseason before entering the league. On Saturday afternoon, 82,857 fans packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana to see them go head-to-head for the first time as professionals.
At the end of 40 minutes, Clark and the Fever secured a 71-70 win thrillingly, gaining their second victory of the season and their first at home.
Clark tallied 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists to help the Fever.
On the other hand, Reese clocked in eight points and 13 rebounds in Chicago's losing effort.
Caitlin Clark got the upper hand over Angel Reese in their first WNBA showdown on Saturday
The Chicago Sky lost to the Indiana Fever, 71-70, at Gainbirdge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis
The game was closely contested as both teams played the thorns on each other's sides throughout regulation. The Fever led most of the final period while the Sky remained within five points of the hosts.
Just as Indiana appeared to have the cushion to cruise to the win, the Windy City's team began climbing back up in the last two minutes.
The Sky's Dana Evans cut the lead to two from the free throw line with 45 seconds remaining. Seconds later, Reese secured an offensive rebound to give her team a chance to counter for a tie or win.
In an attempt to secure a loose ball, Indiana's NaLyssa Smith dove in and ended up taking Marina Mabrey's legs out in the process. Unfortunately, Mabrey missed her first free throw, and Indiana dribbled the clock away.
All of Indiana's starters were in double digits, with Kelsey Mitchell and Smith scoring 18 and 17, respectively. Aliyah Boston and Kristy Wallace scored ten each. Smith was also a rebound shy of a double-double.
Reese clocked in eight points and 13 rebounds in Chicago's losing effort
Clark tallied 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists to help the Fever to their second win
No 3 overall pick Kamilla Cardoso made her WNBA debut and scored 11 points and six boards
Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana in scoring with 18 points, she also got two rebounds and assists
While Mabrey led starters in points with 15 and nine rebounds, a bulk of Chicago's scoring came from Chennedy Carter, who scored 19 off the bench.
Additionally, rookie and South Carolina product Kamilla Cardoso impressed in her WNBA debut. The third-overall pick tallied 11 points and six rebounds in 18 minutes on the floor.
Reese entered Saturday's game averaging 11 points, 8.2 rebounds, and two assists so far in the W. The former Tiger's strengths in college seemingly translated well to the pros as she leads all rookies in boards.
She has played and started in all of Chicago's seven games, as they now hold a 3-4 record this season.
On the other hand, Clark has averaged 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game since arriving in the league. Unfortunately, the Fever have struggled, winning just one of their nine games before Saturday.
Clark and Reese had an entertaining rivalry while playing for Iowa and LSU in the NCAA
LSU won against Iowa in the title game in 2023, Iowa got their revenge in the Elite 8 in April
In 2023, Reese and the Tigers bested Clark and the Hawkeyes in the NCAA Championship game, 102-85. Reese clocked in a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds on their way to a championship.
Clark got her revenge in April when Iowa eliminated LSU in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament. Reese's 17-point and 20-rebound performance was quickly erased by Clark's 41 points and 12 assists in the 94-87 win.
Iowa would move on to appear in another title game but lost to Dawn Staley's South Carolina team.
Nevertheless, Clark got selected by the Fever as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft. Reese was picked seventh by Chicago.