Iowa vs. South Carolina results, highlights: Gamecocks complete perfect season with third national championship

Perfection. South Carolina completed its undefeated season with an 87-75 victory over Iowa in the national championship. It’s the program’s second title in three seasons, the third in program history, and the fifth program to accomplish that feat, Emily Dozier reports for The Sporting News.

It was an unusual start for the Gamecocks. The Hawkeyes got off to a 10-0 run to open up play and led by as much as 11 in the first quarter. They had the advantage after the first quarter with a 27-20 lead, 18 of which came from Caitlin Clark. The senior added her name to another record book, becoming the NCAA Tournament’s career scoring leader.

It all changed by the half. South Carolina slowly clawed its way back in, outscoring Iowa by 10 points to lead by one possession at the half.

It was all Gamecocks at that point. Freshman Tessa Johnson led the team with 19 points off the bench. Camilla Cardoso recorded a career-high 17 rebounds. Chloe Kitts recorded a double-double. The team that began the season with a new starting lineup did the unexpected.

Once again, it ends in heartbreak for Iowa, who fell in the title game for the second straight year. In her final collegiate match, Clark recorded 30 points. Fellow seniors Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall added 16 points and three steals, respectively. Unlike the Gamecocks, Iowa had no points off the bench.

South Carolina, who lost to the Hawkeyes in the 2023 Final Four, is now 109-3 through three seasons, which includes two national championships. It’s a dynasty Dawn Staley is not making but has already made.

The Sporting News live tracked all the latest updates and highlights from the 2024 NCAA women’s basketball championship game between Iowa and South Carolina.

Iowa vs. South Carolina score

Caitlin Clark stats

• Points: 30
• Rebounds: 8
• Assists: 5
• Steals: 0
• Blocks: 0
• FGs: 10-28