Caitlin Clark, the biggest star in college basketball, ended her career at the University of Iowa without an NCAA championship as the Hawkeyes fell to South Carolina in the national championship game. Despite Clark’s impressive performance with 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, Iowa was unable to secure the win, losing 87-75 to the undefeated Gamecocks. This marked the second consecutive year that Clark and the Hawkeyes lost in the final game of the season, with Iowa still seeking its first national championship title.
South Carolina, under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, completed a perfect 38-0 season and secured their third title since 2017. The Gamecocks showcased a well-rounded team effort with four players scoring in double figures, led by Tessa Johnson with 19 points and Kamilla Cardoso, the 6-foot-7 center, contributing with 15 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks. South Carolina avenged last year’s Final Four loss to Iowa by outscoring the Hawkeyes from the bench by a significant margin of 37-0.
Despite the loss, Clark, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, made a lasting impact on the sport of basketball. She expressed her disappointment at falling short in the championship game but acknowledged the challenges of winning at such a high level. Staley praised Clark for her contributions to the sport and predicted that she would continue to elevate women’s basketball in the professional league. Clark’s record-breaking career saw her score 492 points in 17 NCAA Tournament games, showcasing her scoring ability and passion for the game.
In a closely contested final, Iowa took an early lead in the first quarter, with Clark scoring 18 points to give the Hawkeyes a 27-20 advantage. However, South Carolina made a comeback in the second quarter, taking a 49-46 halftime lead and eventually building a comfortable lead in the third quarter. Despite a late surge by Iowa to narrow the gap in the fourth quarter, South Carolina maintained control of the game, with Cardoso delivering crucial plays down the stretch to secure the victory. Staley’s strategic decisions, including utilizing her bench players effectively, played a key role in South Carolina’s success.
After the final buzzer sounded, Clark, with a stoic demeanor, left the court and headed to the locker room as South Carolina celebrated their undefeated season and national championship victory. Staley commended Clark for her impact on the sport and for carrying the weight of women’s basketball, praising her as one of the greatest of all time. The Gamecocks’ triumph marked a historic moment in college basketball, becoming the first undefeated national champion since UConn in 2016. Despite the disappointment of coming up short in the championship game, Clark’s legacy and contributions to the game are sure to endure as she transitions to the WNBA and continues to showcase her talent at the next level.
