Champions do what champions do. In an epic second half performance, South Carolina completed an undefeated season by winning the NCAA National Championship, 87-75 for their second national title in three seasons. The only loss the Gamecocks had in the last two seasons was a loss to the Hawkeyes in the 2023 NCAA semi-finals.
18.7 million people tuned in, peaking at 24 million. It was the largest viewing audience for any basketball game, male or female, college or pro since 2019.
Tessa Johnson and Milaysia Fulwilley came off the bench to light a fire under the Gamecocks in the second half. South Carolina’s domination on the boards along with tenacious pressure on Iowa’s shooters caused multiple misses. Johnson scored a career high 19 points. At one point, South Carolina’s bench outscored Iowa’s, 36-0.
South Carolina’s length and unselfishness proved to be the deciding factor, as they blocked numerous attempts from Caitlin Clark to thread the needle to Hannah Stuelke for layups. It seemed Iowa had no answer to the mid-range and long-range jumpers Carolina kept draining. Kamilla Cardosa’s presence in the lane seemed to initimidate the Hawkeyes as they tried to dribble penetrate to the hoop. Cardosa finished with 15 points, 17 rebounds and 3 assists. Along with Clark, she’s projected to be a high draft pick in the WNBA draft on April 15.
The first half was dominated early by Iowa and Caitlin Clark. She scored 18 of the Hawkeyes first 20 points and it took until the 8:14 minute mark in the second quarter for the first tie score of the game, 27-27. She had several of her classic step back jumpers in the first half, setting the tone early. Clark broke Tennessee’s Chamique Holdsclaw’s record for the most career points in the NCAA Tournament, adding another honor to her already impressive career accomplishments.
Entering the fourth quarter, South Carolina led by nine. They would never relinquish the lead. The Gamecocks’ Te-Hina Paopao played an important role, scoring 9 points on 3 of 3 shooting at crucial moments. She finished with 14 points.
Late in the game, Iowa pressed their attack but could not seem to find a way to finish. Between turnovers, missed layups and blocked shots and with two minutes left, they seemed defeated. They did not contest the Gamecock’s possession in the last 47 seconds.
It was a very tough ending for a remarkably resilient Iowa team. With 20 seconds left, Clark walked off the court for the final time, ending her collegiate career with 30 points.
In the post game on court interview, Head Coach Dawn Staley broke down in tears of joy. She complemented her assistants on their pre-game preparation and scouting reports. “I’m super proud of where I work, and all of our fans,” she said. “They (the players) etched their names in the history book”. Later in the post game celebration, she thanked Caitlin Clark for “lifting up our sport. You are one of our GOATS.”
Meanwhile, Clark and her roommate and best friend Kate Martin walked off the court together for the last time. Along with Gabby Marshall, they formed the core of this Iowa team that took Hawkeye basketball to rarified heights.
It truly was a game that met the heights women’s basketball has climbed to this year.
