South Carolina’s Bree Hall (23) and Te-Hina Paopao react during the NCAA championship game against Iowa on Sunday in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
It’s perfection for South Carolina.
The Gamecocks completed an undefeated season with a thrilling 87-75 victory over Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the NCAA championship game on Sunday in Cleveland.
South Carolina (38-0) was the best team in the nation all season and it showed why on Sunday with an all-around scoring effort and a dominant showing on the glass.
Freshman Tessa Johnson led the Gamecocks with 19 points off the bench, but Kamilla Cardoso was the heart at soul as usual. She finished with 15 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks in an outstanding two-way effort.
The loss ends a record-breaking career for Clark, who leaves as the all-time leading scorer in both men’s and women’s college basketball. She scored 30 to lead Iowa on Sunday but it wasn’t enough.
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Kamilla Cardoso named Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player
Dawn Staley gives Iowa’s superstar major kudos during the trophy presentation: “Caitlin Clark, if you’re somewhere watching this, you are one of the GOATs of our game and we appreciate you.”
She noted that Clark carried a “heavy load” with her popularity, and it forever impacted the game.
Dawn Staley with a tribute to Caitlin Clark and what she’s done for the game: “You are one of the GOATs of our game and we appreciate you” pic.twitter.com/Rg4okSZlFE
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) April 7, 2024
Kamilla Cardoso wins Most Outstanding Player, a fitting send off before she joins the WNBA as a projected lottery pick.
South Carolina fields congrats from a former president. They’ll be invited to visit President Joe Biden in honor of the win.
This interview captured it all. After rolling past NC State, Staley told Boston she wanted to win it for “The Freshies.” The class of stars left South Carolina for the WNBA after losing to Iowa in the Final Four last year. Now, they’ll get their rings.
What Caitlin Clark accomplished this season will never be forgotten. The clear No. 1 pick, she will continue to draw crowds when the WNBA season tips off on May 15.
Final: South Carolina 87, Iowa 75
There are tears everywhere. Even alum Aliyah Boston broke down as she stood behind a teary Dawn Staley during the postgame interview.
As Clark subs out and says her goodbye to college basketball, Molly Davis subs in to touch the court after an injury kept her out.
That’s it. Raven Johnson dribbles to wait out the clock and coach Staley tells her not to shoot.
South Carolina fans can taste the win now. Clark sent PaoPao to the free throw line with 1:07 remming and she made both of her attempts. Up 12 points, the Gamecocks are so close to completing a perfect season.
Fans are booing after Iowa’s Kate Martin was called for a foul. She hooked Ashlyn Watkins, who went 1-for-2 from the free throw line.
Cardoso is the key of this game. After an offensive rebound and layup, she’s up to 15 points.
South Carolina didn’t like that one. Affolter stole the ball from Raven Johnson near the half court line and completed a three-point play after she was fouled on the layup.
South Carolina’s Tessa Johnson was fouled by Kate Marshall and she made both of her free throws. Martin answered with a layup on the other end assisted by Clark.
This 3 from Marshall was crucial for Iowa, capping off an 8-0 run.
Stuelke missed both of her free throws and Johnson capitalized for South Carolina with a jumper. Clark answered with a jumper and Fulwiley scored a layup on the other end.
The final quarter is underway! We’re starting with Stuelke at the free throw line after a take to the basket.
End of 3rd: South Carolina 68, Iowa 59
Clark attempted to end the quarter with a three-pointer but it was no good.
TESSA JOHNSON has the hot hand. Iowa calls a timeout after she hits another 3-pointer, her second of the quarter.
Bree Hall is the next Gamecock to score a 3. South Carolina is up 10 points.
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