In an epic second half performance, the South Carolina Gamecocks completed an undefeated season by winning the NCAA National Championship against the Iowa Hawkeyes with a final score of 87-75. This victory marked the Gamecocks’ second national title in three seasons, with their only loss in the last two seasons being to the Hawkeyes in the 2023 NCAA semi-finals. Tessa Johnson and Milaysia Fulwilley came off the bench to light a fire under the Gamecocks in the second half, with Johnson scoring a career high 19 points. South Carolina’s dominance on the boards and tenacious pressure on Iowa’s shooters played a crucial role in their victory.
South Carolina’s length and unselfishness were key factors in their win, as they blocked numerous attempts from Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and controlled the game on both ends of the court. Kamilla Cardosa’s presence in the lane proved to be intimidating for the Hawkeyes as they struggled to penetrate to the hoop. Cardosa finished the game with 15 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 assists, solidifying her status as a high draft pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. The Gamecocks’ bench outscored Iowa’s bench 36-0 at one point, showcasing their depth and talent.
The first half of the game was dominated by Iowa and Caitlin Clark, who scored 18 of the Hawkeyes’ first 20 points. Clark’s impressive performance included several step-back jumpers that set the tone for her team. She also broke a record for the most career points in the NCAA Tournament, adding to her already impressive list of accomplishments. Despite Iowa’s strong start, South Carolina managed to tie the game in the second quarter and take control in the second half, maintaining their lead until the end.
Te-Hina Paopao played a crucial role for the Gamecocks, scoring 9 points on perfect shooting at crucial moments in the game and finishing with 14 points. Iowa made a late-game push but struggled to finish their plays, resulting in turnovers, missed layups, and blocked shots. With two minutes left in the game, they seemed defeated, ultimately not contesting the Gamecocks’ possession in the last 47 seconds of the game. Caitlin Clark ended her collegiate career with 30 points, walking off the court for the final time.
In the post-game interview, South Carolina Head Coach Dawn Staley expressed tears of joy and pride in her team’s performance, crediting her assistants for their preparation and scouting reports. She also praised the fans for their support and the players for their historic achievement in etching their names in the history books. Staley thanked Caitlin Clark for her contributions to the sport, calling her one of the greatest of all time. Meanwhile, Clark and her teammates, including Kate Martin and Gabby Marshall, walked off the court together for the last time, reflecting on their journey and the heights they reached in women’s basketball.
