Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark beef: What exactly happened between the two?

The women’s national championship game on Sunday was a collision of stars with Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese and coach Kim Mulkey. LSU’s shooting was off the charts, and the Tigers dominated on their way to the title, winning 102-85.

Reese sparked controversry with her celebration at the end of the game. The LSU forward went up to Clark and made a hand gesture in her face. Reese waved her hand in front of her face in the “You Can’t See Me” move made famous by John Cena. Clark had done the same gesture in the Elite Eight.

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ANGEL REESE TO CAITLIN CLARK

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ANGEL REESE TO CAITLIN CLARK 😳 https://t.co/2NY0CEzwJ3

Reese then went on to make another hand gesture, pointing to her ring finger, symbolizing where her new championship ring would go. It seemed like simple trash talk, something that happens in most sporting events.

The social media storm took hold, with many people commenting that Reese’s actions were “classless.” Reese did not apologize in the postgame news conference and stood by her actions, saying she was being “unapologetically” herself.

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"I don't think Angel should be criticized at all."

Caitlin Clark said she thought Angel Reese received too much backlash for her celebrations during the championship game. (via @OTLonESPN)

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"I don't think Angel should be criticized at all."

Caitlin Clark said she thought Angel Reese received too much backlash for her celebrations during the championship game. (via @OTLonESPN) https://t.co/i8tZyO8bai

United States First Lady Jill Biden also tweeted saying both teams should make the ceremonial trip to the White House because of the quality of the game. Reese quote-tweeted her, replying “A joke”.

On ESPN on Tuesday, Clark said she had no issues with Reese’s actions. The Iowa star said there was no beef at all and she barely noticed the gestures at the end of the game.

“I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all,” Clark said.

Clark said it was all in the competitive nature of the game. Both All-Americans are known for their trash talk.

"I'm just one that competes, and she competed," Clark said. "I think everybody knew there was going to be a little trash talk in the entire tournament. It's not just me and Angel.”

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"I don't think runner-ups usually go to the White House. I think LSU should enjoy that moment for them."

—Caitlin Clark on if Iowa should join LSU at the White House (via @OTLonESPN)

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"I don't think runner-ups usually go to the White House. I think LSU should enjoy that moment for them."

—Caitlin Clark on if Iowa should join LSU at the White House (via @OTLonESPN) https://t.co/M35mGY8oPp

Clark also said she and the Hawkeyes have no interest in going to the White House, saying LSU earned the trip.

The national championship game was the most watched women’s college basketball game of all time. Viewership peaked at 12.6 million in the United States. It was the first title game appearance for LSU and Iowa.

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