South Carolina Prevails to Iowa 87-75 in the NCAA Championship

 Powerhouse Teams

The Women's NCAA Championship is the pinnacle of college basketball, showcasing incredible talent and determination from top schools. This year it was between the University of South Carolina Gamecocks and the Iowa Hawkeyes at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, featuring top stars Kamilla Cardoso and Caitlin Clark. 
South Carolina became the 10th undefeated champion in women's college basketball history by defeating Iowa, 87-75 this past weekend. This is the Gamecocks' third national title. Iowa wanted to repeat what they did a year ago when they beat the undefeated Gamecocks in the Final Four. The Hawkeyes also wanted to send Clark out with the title, who is also the all-time scoring leader in NCAA college basketball history. Iowa got out to an early 10-point lead with Iowa's Caitlin Clark, the projected No. 1 pick in next week's WNBA draft, putting up 18 points in the first quarter. The lead continued until halfway through the second quarter, then it became a back and forth game. A layup from South Carolina's Raven Johnson put the Gamecocks up 49-46 at halftime. The Gamecocks then scored the first six points of the third quarter and then had a 55-46 lead on Iowa. Iowa would never have a lead again. South Carolina's suffocating defense disrupted Iowa's offensive rhythm, forcing turnovers and converting them into quick points. In addition, South Carolina's size overwhelmed Iowa all night grabbing 51 rebounds. The senior center from South Carolina, Kamilla Cardoso, was voted Most Outstanding Player of the Women's Final Four. Both South Carolina and Iowa had exceptional seasons leading up to the championship game. South Carolina, led by Dawn Staley, showcased their dominance throughout the season with relentless defense and incredible offense. Iowa, led by coach Lisa Bluder, displayed consistent teamwork and resilience throughout the tournament. 



 Game Recognizes Game

After the intense battle between the two powerful teams, a heartfelt message is shared to the audience by head coach of the Gamecocks: Dawn Staley. She expresses her excitement for her team and how proud of them she is, but she also congratulates and recognizes the Hawkeyes, specifically, Caitlin Clark. Coach Staley emphasizes how much Clark has single-handedly changed the game of girls basketball through her style of play and skill. Without Caitlin, the game of girls basketball as a whole wouldn't be where it is today. The viewings of the big games that Clark has played in have reached amounts greater than NBA games and men's championship games. Clark has not only been established as one of the "goats" of the game, but people even relate her to Kobe Bryant.   




"Also, I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport. She carried a heavy load for our sport and it's not just going to stop here on the collegiate tour, but when she is the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, she is going to lift up the league as well," Coach Staley expressed.



What's Next

Both the Iowa Hawkeyes and the South Carolina Gamecocks had players that greatly impacted the league. Strong posts like Kamilla Cardoso and Hannah Stuelke, no one could guard them. Dominant player-makers like Caitlin Clark and Raven Johnson stole the show. The future is bright for the players leaving to go to the WNBA, as well as the returning athletes for next year. Clark is projected to go No. 1 in the WNBA draft, as Cardoso is also expected to be drafted in the first round. Most players from each team declaring will either become drafted late first round or early second round. These players with their teams and coaches have left a dominant face to girls college basketball, as they look to continue their dominance in the league. All of the forceful teams in the NCAA have left a lasting impact on the upcoming generations playing the sport of girls basketball, as this league expects to grow not only stronger, but faster.


"Every time you see a season end, another chapter closes and that's tough but I know we're going to look back on this and be very very proud of what the girls have all done. Caitlin has certainly been a tremendous star for our game, but there are so many stars in our game," Lisa Bluder speaks out after the game.

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