There are parts of Caitlin Clark’s rivalry with Angel Reese that she must enjoy. She’s a competitor, after all.

Photo of Angel Reese smiling and photo of Caitlin Clark staring

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark (Photos via Getty Images)

But there are other facets that she wished didn’t exist, especially how it dominated the headlines during March Madness this year instead of allowing Iowa to get the recognition they deserved for going to two straight NCAA championship games.

Clark’s Hawkeyes lost to Reese’s LSU in last year’s title game, but Clark had the upper hand when they met in the Elite Eight this year, winning 94-87.

The new Indiana Fever guard did not appreciate how the supposed beef overshadowed the Hawkeyes’ run.

“That’s the only thing people wanted to talk about when we just went on this magical run and united so many people, and that, like, was frustrating to me,” she said in ESPN’s ‘Full Court Press’ in quotes transcribed by the New York Times. 

Both players insist their rivalry doesn’t extend beyond the court, although it seemed personal when Reese taunted Clark during last year’s title win. She waved her hand in front of Clark’s face in a “you can’t see me” gesture, also pointing to her ring finger to gloat about the Tigers’ achievement.

Clark claimed she wasn’t bothered by the taunt and even defended Reese from the widespread criticism she got.

Angel Reese Says There’s Nothing But Competition Between Herself And Caitlin Clark

The former LSU star also supported Caitlin Clark after she broke the NCAA Division I scoring record last season and, speaking before their Elite Eight showdown, said that there was no hate between them.

“I don’t think people realize it’s not personal,” she said. “Once we get out between those lines, if I see you walking down the street, it’s like, ‘Hey, girl, what’s up? Let’s hang out.’ I think people just take it like we hate each other. Me and Caitlin Clark don’t hate each other. 

“I want everybody to understand that. It’s just a super-competitive game. Once I get between those lines, there’s no friends. I’m going to talk trash to you. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get in your head the whole entire game, but after the game, we can kick it. I don’t think people really realize that.”

With both stars now in the WNBA, their first game against each other will be a must-watch for their fans.

Clark and the Fever will play their season opener against the Connecticut Sun this Tuesday, while Reese will make her regular-seasondebut with the Chicago Sky on Wednesday.

The Fever and Sky are scheduled for their first head-to-head of the season on June 1.