South Carolina has sealed its status as the best in women’s college basketball, capping off a phenomenal season with a 87-75 victory over Iowa in the national championship game. The Gamecocks completed an undefeated 38-0 season, securing their third NCAA title, and effectively preventing star player Caitlin Clark from achieving a perfect end to her college career.
The championship game saw an intense battle, with Iowa initially taking the lead with a 7-0 start, led by the historic performance of Caitlin Clark. Clark set a record for scoring in a quarter, amassing 18 points and surpassing Chamique Holdsclaw to become the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Tournament history. Despite the early dominance by the Hawkeyes, South Carolina proved their mettle, showcasing an all-around scoring effort and a dominant performance under the boards.
Freshman Tessa Johnson stood out with 19 points off the bench, while Kamilla Cardoso displayed her prowess with 15 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks. The Gamecocks demonstrated their sheer dominance, solidifying their position as the best team in the nation throughout the entire season.
The victory not only secured South Carolina’s impeccable season but also avenged their loss to Iowa in the previous year’s Final Four, which marked their only defeat in that season. With a remarkable 109-3 record over the last three seasons, the Gamecocks have undeniably cemented their place in college basketball history.
For Clark, the loss marked the end of a record-breaking career, as the talented player leaves as the all-time leading scorer in both men’s and women’s college basketball. Despite her exceptional 30-point performance in the championship game, it wasn’t enough to overcome South Carolina’s formidable team.
The win for South Carolina not only completes a perfect season but also underscores the team’s extraordinary talent and resilience, elevating them to the pinnacle of women’s college basketball.
