The matchup between LSU and Iowa in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament was one of the most anticipated games of the season. It wasn’t just the clash of two powerhouse teams, but a chance to see Caitlin Clark, the dynamic Iowa guard, go head-to-head with the reigning national champions, led by the legendary Kim Mulkey.

As the game unfolded, it was clear that Caitlin Clark was on a mission. She delivered one of her signature performances, lighting up the scoreboard and leading Iowa with relentless energy. But in the end, LSU proved to be too much. The Tigers showed their championship pedigree, overcoming Clark’s heroics and sealing the victory with a well-rounded team effort.

After the game, as the dust settled, Kim Mulkey—known for her fiery coaching style and no-nonsense approach—had a message for Caitlin Clark, one that was brutally honest but also full of respect.

A Hard-Fought Battle

From the opening tip, it was evident that this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park for LSU. Clark was doing what she does best: hitting deep three-pointers, driving to the basket with precision, and controlling the tempo of the game. At times, it felt like Iowa was on the verge of pulling off the upset. But LSU’s defensive prowess and balanced offense ultimately helped them weather the storm and clinch the win.

By the time the final whistle blew, LSU had walked away with a hard-fought victory, but the spotlight remained firmly on Caitlin Clark and her undeniable talent. The media and fans couldn’t stop talking about her incredible performance, but it was Mulkey’s post-game comments that really made waves.

Kim Mulkey’s Brutally Honest Message

After the win, Kim Mulkey addressed the media, and of course, Caitlin Clark’s performance was a central topic. But Mulkey, never one to sugarcoat things, had a brutally honest message for Clark, one that struck a chord with fans and analysts alike.

“Caitlin Clark is a special player, there’s no doubt about that. But what you saw today is exactly why we won this game,” Mulkey began. “She’s incredible, but she can’t do it all by herself. The moment she gets too hot and tries to take over the game, it leaves her team vulnerable. She’s not Superman. And that’s why we were able to execute our game plan and take her out of her rhythm when it mattered most.”

The Critique: Clark’s Strength and Weakness

Mulkey’s comments were sharp, but also insightful. She was acknowledging Clark’s undeniable talent—but at the same time, she made it clear that there are aspects of her game that can be exploited. For Iowa to win against a team like LSU, Mulkey suggested, it would take more than just Clark going off for 30 or 40 points. Team play and a well-rounded offensive system were the key factors in LSU’s victory.

“She can’t do it by herself. I said it earlier in the week, and I’ll say it again: she’s a great player, but she needs help,” Mulkey continued. “She’s a player who thrives when she’s the center of attention, but in a game like this, we have to stop her from taking over. When she’s left to do everything, it becomes easier to neutralize her. That’s the game we played.”

This candid assessment was a reminder of Mulkey’s strategic mind—how she understands the mental and physical aspects of coaching at the highest level. Her ability to break down an opponent, especially one as talented as Clark, shows just why LSU has been so successful under her leadership.

Clark’s Response: Taking it on the Chin

As expected, Caitlin Clark responded with grace and maturity. Rather than firing back at Mulkey, she acknowledged that there was truth in the critique. After all, basketball is a team sport, and no matter how exceptional one player is, they can’t carry a team to victory on their own every time.

“Coach Mulkey’s right,” Clark said in her post-game interview. “I do need to be more of a team player. But I’ve always tried to give it my all when I step on that floor. I know what this team is capable of, and I know I have to do my part. We just didn’t execute when it mattered today.”

It was clear that Clark was not deterred by Mulkey’s harsh words. Instead, she took the feedback in stride, acknowledging the importance of improving as a player while keeping her focus on the bigger picture: the team.

The Respect Between Two Greats

While Mulkey’s message may have been tough, it was clear that it came from a place of respect. Mulkey knows better than anyone that a player like Caitlin Clark doesn’t come around often, and she has the utmost respect for Clark’s abilities. However, as a coach with a deep understanding of the game, she also knows the value of exploiting weaknesses and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise.

“Caitlin Clark is going to be one of the best in the world,” Mulkey said in closing. “I have no doubt about that. But right now, I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure she doesn’t take over a game against me.”

The mutual respect between these two figures—Kim Mulkey and Caitlin Clark—is undeniable. While they may have been rivals on the court that day, the way Mulkey acknowledged Clark’s talents and then offered constructive criticism showed just how much Mulkey values the competition and the challenge that comes with facing a player like Clark.

Looking Ahead: The Future for Both Teams

For Caitlin Clark, this loss may sting, but it will also serve as fuel for improvement. If there’s one thing Clark has shown time and time again, it’s that she’s always striving to be better. The tough feedback from one of the best coaches in the game will likely be something that pushes her to refine her game even further.

For LSU and Kim Mulkey, the win solidified their status as one of the top teams in the country. But Mulkey’s comments also highlighted that they weren’t just prepared for Clark’s scoring—they had a plan to stop her from taking over the game, and it worked.

Conclusion: The Game That Will Be Remembered

The battle between Iowa and LSU was one for the ages, and Kim Mulkey’s honest words only added to the drama and legacy of this matchup. It wasn’t just about the victory; it was about the lessons learned on both sides. Caitlin Clark, as always, will take the feedback to heart, using it to fuel her growth. Kim Mulkey, as one of the best to ever do it, knows exactly what it takes to win at the highest level—and on this day, her team executed that plan flawlessly.

One thing is certain: this rivalry is far from over, and with players like Caitlin Clark and coaches like Kim Mulkey, women’s college basketball is in for even more exciting battles in the years to come.