In a thrilling NCAA National Championship game, the South Carolina Gamecocks secured their second national title in three seasons by defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 87-75 to complete an undefeated season. South Carolina’s only loss in the last two seasons was to the Hawkeyes in the 2023 NCAA semi-finals. Tessa Johnson and Milaysia Fulwilley came off the bench to spark the Gamecocks in the second half, with Johnson scoring a career-high 19 points. The Gamecocks’ dominance on the boards and defensive pressure on Iowa’s shooters were crucial in their victory.
The length and unselfishness of South Carolina proved to be the difference in the game, as they were able to block many attempts from Iowa’s standout player Caitlin Clark. Clark had a strong first half, scoring 18 of Iowa’s first 20 points, but ultimately struggled to find open looks in the second half. Kamilla Cardosa’s presence in the lane intimidated the Hawkeyes, with Cardosa finishing with 15 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 assists. Both Cardosa and Clark are projected to be high draft picks in the upcoming WNBA draft on April 15.
Despite a strong start from Iowa, South Carolina took control of the game in the second half and never relinquished their lead. Te-Hina Paopao played a key role for the Gamecocks, scoring 9 points in critical moments and finishing with 14 points overall. Iowa made a late push to close the gap, but turnovers, missed opportunities, and blocked shots prevented them from mounting a comeback in the final minutes. With 20 seconds left, Caitlin Clark walked off the court for the final time in her collegiate career, ending the game with an impressive 30 points.
In the post-game celebrations, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley praised her team for their hard work and dedication, acknowledging the support of their fans and the efforts of her coaching staff. Staley became emotional as she spoke about the historic accomplishments of her players, noting that they had secured their place in the history books. She also commended Caitlin Clark for her impact on the game, calling her one of the greatest of all time. Clark, along with her teammates Kate Martin and Gabby Marshall, played a key role in elevating Iowa basketball to new heights.
As Clark and Martin walked off the court together for the final time, it marked the end of an era for the Iowa program. Despite the loss, the Hawkeyes showed resilience and determination throughout the game, showcasing the talent and skill that had brought them to the championship game. The intense competition and emotional moments of the game highlighted the incredible growth and popularity of women’s basketball, setting the stage for future success and excitement in the sport.
