A million hearts were broken at the Domo de la Feria in Le?n, Guanajuato, Mexico. While Brazil rejoiced in their commanding victory, the American contingent stood devastated. The Final of the 2023 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup ended in a crushing 69-58 defeat for the USA Women’s team. Brazil, on the other hand, lifted their sixth Women’s AmeriCup title. Among the 12 members of the roster that stood heartbroken was LSU Tigers alum, Angel Reese.
Reese came off a stunning NCAA March Madness season. She played a pivotal role in the LSU Tigers team that won their first-ever NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship. However, she had to beat the 2023 National Player of the Year, Caitlin Clark, and the Iowa Hawkeyes on her way to the championship.
In a series of events during the game, Reese was seen taking multiple jibes at the 22-year-old. Naturally, when the national team lost in the AmeriCup, fans had to bring Clark into the conversation.
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Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have a history of rivalry
The NCAA March Madness is always an exciting event. However, when an underdog like the Iowa Hawkeyes makes the NCAA Championship Game, things just get a whole lot more interesting. The Iowa Hawkeyes, on the back of 22-year-old Caitlin Clark, had a historical run in the 2023 March Madness. The 2023 National Player of the Year had a terrific run in the tournament, breaking several records en route to the finals.
However, Clark and the Hawkeyes were halted by Angel Reese and the LSU Tigers. Reese, interestingly, made multiple gestures at Clark at the end of the game, which enraged the fans. It caused multiple debates and also led to fans heavily criticizing Reese for her actions. These actions prompted fans to bring Clark, who was seen golfing earlier this month into the conversation after Team USA’s upset.
Caitlin Clark made headlines in the golfing world when she was seen participating in the pro am tournament ahead of the John Deere Classic. However, with the fans being disappointed in Reese and Team USA’s performance, Clark was brought back into the basketball world.
Fans took to Twitter to reignite the rivalry as well as brutally criticize Reese and Team USA.
Fans react to Team USA’s failure
Team USA has always been a dominant force in international basketball events. However, when they failed to deliver a gold medal to the country, fans were enraged. Taking to Twitter, fans expressed their frustration in a series of comments.
Some fans brought Caitlin Clark directly into the conversation.
Caitlin Clark woulda won the gold
— Jimmy Courchaine (@JimmyBuckets27) July 10, 2023
Some users said that this was a humbling experience for Reese and Team USA
FINALLY!! USA and Reese getting humbled
— SURE_FIRE_BETS 🍀 (@LinesniRyanRems) July 10, 2023
While some felt embarrassed by the loss.
What a total failure and embarrassment.
— JCoulter (@JCoulterB) July 10, 2023
Many others referred to Reese’s actions in the NCAA Championship Game
Angel Reese…. Where’s smack talk now???
— Ben Hildre (@BucketMan82) July 10, 2023
However, Rickea Jackson and Lauren Betts received some love.
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Jackson and Betts played a great game. What happened to Reese?
— Nash Blue (@bluenashguy) July 10, 2023
The loss has definitely left the country in shock and disappointment. However, the women have a long road ahead. After winning the World Cup last year, Team USA received direct qualification to the Paris Olympics in 2024.
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With a tournament of that stature on the cards, will Team USA be able to bounce back from this humiliation? Will Team USA need a “Redeem Team”? Share your thoughts in the comments below.