The South Carolina Gamecocks capped their undefeated (38-0) season with a 87-75 victory against the Iowa Hawkeyes and earned their 3rd national title.
The Gamecocks had a revenge tour after losing in last year’s Final Four against Iowa.
They showcased a balanced scoring effort with four players reaching the double digits. Guard Tessa Johnson led the charge with 19 points, followed by star center Kamilla Cardoso who contributed 15 points and a career high of 17 rebounds. Guard Te-Hina Paopao chipped in 14 points, while forward Chloe Kitts recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Guards Raven Johnson and Bree Hall had an impressive performance as they played pivotal roles in attempting to contain Iowa’s standout player Caitlin Clark, who tallied 30 points total. Clark wasted no time leaving her mark on the game, emphasizing on an incredible 18 points in the first quarter alone, a feat that instantly made her a part of championship game history.
Clark was called ‘One of the GOATS’ of women’s basketball after South Carolina’s head coach Dawn Staley took the time to credit Iowa star for helping popularize women’s basketball.
Staley told The Athletic, “I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport,” Staley said. “She carried a heavy load for our sport. It just is not going to stop here on a collegiate tour but when she is the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, she’s going to lift that league up as well.”
Supporting Clarks efforts, guard Kate Martin accumulated 16 points, guard Sarah Affolter contributed 12 points, and forward Hannah Stuelke tallied 11.
Heading into the second quarter trailing 27-20, the Gamecocks recognized the need to box out better. As the first half drew to a close, South Carolina managed to secure a slim 49-46 lead, with two massive steals from sophomore Raven Johnson.
Just three minutes into the third quarter, the Gamecocks gained a 55-46 lead after Chloe Kitts made a layup and a jumper and Te-Hana Paopao made a jumper. South Carolina’s offense paid off as they kept beating Iowa’s defense and ended the third quarter with a 68-59 lead.
In the closing minutes, the Gamecocks stayed strong, enduring Iowa’s late pushes to secure a 87-75 win.