Team USA shone in the opening games of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, with Caitlin Clark recording a double-double against Senegal and Angel Reese putting up a similar performance against Puerto Rico. Reese even fared well against the Senegal side. Paige Bueckers also led the scorers in the second game, highlighting the control and confidence of the young guns of the side.
While everyone was excited to watch the collaboration of these three megastar rookies, everyone was keeping an eye on the AR5 and CC combination, which had some history from their college days.
Fans React To Caitlin Clark And Angel Reese’s Awkward Moment
During the ongoing FIBA World Cup Qualifier games, former USA player Lisa Leslie sees Clark and Reese as perfect successors in Team USA, with the former Iowa star taking Diana Taurasi’s jersey number and the LSU forward taking Leslie’s jersey number in the current roster.
While the duo had great chemistry between them in the national team, CC and AR5 had a bit of a rocky history, which they refer to as ‘on-court rivalry’ due to the competitive fire they possess. In a recent video, cameras caught Clark ignoring Reese’s extended arm as she checked in during the game against Puerto Rico.
Caitlin Clark does NOT like Angel Reese 👀 pic.twitter.com/BaNnYJD8Wt
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) March 13, 2026
Fans also react to the moment with a few calling a possible beef between the duo and others finding no fault in CC’s actions.
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a fan wrote, “She lowkey just didn’t see her.”
She lowkey just didn’t see her
— Josh Egbuna (@joshegbuna) March 13, 2026
One fan added, “Because Angel Reese is better. It’s called jealousy and insecurity.”
Because Angel Reese is better. It's called jealousy and insecurity.
— Kevin Plump (@KPlump41153) March 13, 2026
Another fan commented, “It’s how Reese was waiting for her turn.”
It’s how Reese was waiting for her turn, held her hand out in team spirit and Caitlin acted like she was wearing white
— Just a Guy (@Changes95) March 13, 2026
A fan mentioned, “It’s how Reese was waiting for her turn.”
It’s how Reese was waiting for her turn, held her hand out in team spirit and Caitlin acted like she was wearing white
— Just a Guy (@Changes95) March 13, 2026
Another fan wrote, “I can’t see CC leaving her teammate hanging like that. But I admit, it’s not a good look.”
I can’t see CC leaving her teammate hanging like that. But I admit, it's not a good look.
— Prospect Markets (@ProspectSportsX) March 13, 2026
While this was one of the moments caught on camera where the Fever guard was more in her thought process and ignored the forward’s extended hand, the duo still backed each other on the court with the Sky forward celebrating CC’s three-pointers with the team, and even they joined forces in an argument with the referee.
Caitlin Clark Backs Angel Reese Over Wrong Referee Decision
Team USA was in complete control during the first game of the tournament, and with just 2:27 remaining in the game, the side had a 50-point lead. As Reese went for a 2-point jump shot, Senegal’s Khadija Faye blocked the shot, sending the ball out of bounds.
Though it was a fair block, the possession should have been with Team USA, considering the final touch from the Senegal forward. However, Faye got the ball instead.
Reese complained to the referee about the same and even asked for the foul. To back her up, Clark also came in and supported Reese’s case as far as the angle showed number 12 Jersey walking towards the umpire before they walked off.