The March Madness women’s basketball account mistakenly believed it was sharing a video of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley praising UConn star Paige Bueckers. However, college basketball fans promptly noticed the subtle dig aimed at Caitlin Clark during the exchange.

Caitlin Clark is a sore spot for South Carolina

WNBA draft order: Which team will select Caitlin Clark? – NBC Chicago

There’s speculation that Staley harbors resentment towards Clark, particularly after the Iowa guard’s 41-point performance ended the Gamecocks’ season in last year’s intense Final Four match.

In contrast to her previous ambiguity about whether Caitlin Clark is the greatest of all time in women’s college basketball, Staley had no hesitation in elevating Bueckers above the rest.

Her specific praise for Paige’s “efficiency” appeared to be aimed at Clark, reminiscent of a similar remark made by LSU coach Kim Mulkey earlier in the season. Mulkey had remarked, “We don’t have any players shooting 40 times a game like you see around the country.”

A few fans pointed out the potential drama in the social media comments.

“Unfortunately Dawn has to use her in a petty effort to troll or take shots at Caitlin. Diminishes everything Paige has accomplished. Be better Dawn,” expressed a disillusioned fan of Bueckers on Twitter.

“Dawn still stinging from that loss last year, Caitlin is the GOAT and she is jealous,” speculated another commenter. “She wants the attention.”

South Carolina could meet Iowa in NCAA championship game

Iowa, South Carolina meet again with title, history on line - ESPN

As the Sweet 16 kicks off, the prospect of Staley-Clark drama being resolved on the court remains alive, but it would likely only unfold on the grandest stage. If South Carolina advances to the Final Four, it could potentially face Texas, Gonzaga, NC State, or Stanford in the national semifinal before a potential showdown with Iowa for the title.

Meanwhile, Clark’s journey back to the championship game is fraught with challenging matchups and emotional storylines. If Iowa defeats Colorado in the Sweet 16, Clark could seek revenge against 3-seed LSU and Angel Reese, who defeated Iowa in last year’s final.

Should she overcome that hurdle, the winner of the UConn-Bueckers matchup or USC-Juju Watkins’ team could await Clark in the Final Four, offering formidable opposition in the backcourt.

In essence, numerous factors would need to align for Staley’s Gamecocks to confront the Hawkeyes on the court. Regardless of the outcome, the drama is escalating as Staley adds spice to the Sweet 16.