The 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament culminated in an epic championship game between the #1 seeded South Carolina Gamecocks and #2 seeded Iowa Hawkeyes.
In a battle of contrasting styles and superstars, South Carolina emerged victorious by a final score of 87-75 to cap off a perfect 38-0 season.
South Carolina Cruises to Perfection
The Gamecocks entered the NCAA Tournament as the unanimous #1 overall seed after breezing through the regular season and SEC Tournament without a loss. Head coach Dawn Staley guided South Carolina to its third national championship in the last seven seasons, further cementing the program as a burgeoning dynasty.
South Carolina boasts one of the most talented rosters ever assembled in women’s college basketball, led by senior center Kamilla Cardoso and sophomore guard Raven Johnson.
Cardoso, the 2024 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, dominated the paint all season and saved her best performance for last with 15 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks in the title game.
Johnson harassed Iowa‘s star guard Caitlin Clark on defense while also contributing 14 points on efficient shooting.
The Gamecocks also flexed their unparalleled depth, with reserves like Tessa Johnson stepping up in critical moments. The freshman guard scored 19 points off the bench, including multiple key baskets during South Carolina‘s pivotal second quarter run that seized control of the game.
Balanced Scoring Attack Overpowers Iowa
While Clark delivered a signature performance befitting her superstar status, South Carolina‘s multitude of offensive weapons proved too much for Iowa to overcome. Four Gamecocks scored in double figures compared to just two Hawkeyes, and South Carolina‘s reserves outscored Iowa’s bench 37-0.
In addition to Cardoso, Johnson, and Tessa Johnson, South Carolina received double digit scoring efforts from Chloe Kitts (11 points, 10 rebounds) and Te-Hina Paopao (14 points).
The Gamecocks shot over 50% from the field and moved the ball effectively with 23 assists on 31 made baskets.
Stifling Defense Stymies Iowa’s Supporting Cast
Much was made of the intriguing matchup between South Carolina‘s defense, ranked 1st nationally in opponent field goal percentage, against Iowa‘s high powered offense led by the electric Clark.
The Gamecocks largely won that battle by limiting Iowa‘s secondary scorers and forcing tough, contested shots.
Clark still produced at an extremely high level with 30 points and 7 assists. However, her teammates shot just 33% from the field and no other Iowa player scored more than 12 points.
South Carolina‘s disruptive defense forced 18 Hawkeye turnovers, leading to a 21-9 edge in points off turnovers.
Caitlin Clark Caps Brilliant Career Despite Loss
In defeat, Clark closes her incredible college career by cementing her status as one of the all-time greats in women’s basketball history.
Her 30 point explosion gives her an NCAA-record 521 total points in the NCAA Tournament while at Iowa.
Clark also made history by becoming the first player ever to lead Division 1 in points and assists per game while guiding her team to the national championship game. She won numerous National Player of the Year awards for the second straight season, though ultimately falling just short of cutting down the nets.
Bittersweet Ending for All-Time Great
While Clark surely envisioned her storybook career ending in triumphant fashion, she exits the college ranks as a two-time runner up on the national stage.
Iowa lost in heartbreaking fashion to LSU in the 2023 championship before running into the South Carolina juggernaut.
Clark left everything on the court by scoring 18 of Iowa’s 26 first quarter points to stake the Hawkeyes to an early lead. But South Carolina‘s attrition eventually wore down Clark, who scored just 12 points the rest of the way.
Legendary Career Lays Groundwork for WNBA Stardom
Even after falling short of an elusive national title, Clark has cemented her legacy as one of the defining players in recent college basketball history. She will likely be selected 1st overall in the upcoming WNBA Draft this spring.
As she transitions to the professional level, Clark has already accomplished more at the collegiate level than most WNBA legends. Her unmatched scoring prowess and playmaking ability give her the tools to thrive as the face of the WNBA for years to come.
Dawn Staley Further Burnishes All-Time Great Resume
South Carolina‘s championship run also adds to the glittering resume of head coach Dawn Staley, who has now guided two title teams in Columbia. The Philadelphia native played collegiately at Virginia before becoming one of the WNBA’s first superstars in the late 90s.
Sources:
edition.cnn.com/2024/04/07/sport/iowa-south-carolina-final-caitlin-clark-spt-intl/index.html
