Last week, fans witnessed an intense showdown between the No. 1 Iowa Hawkeyes (34-5) and the No. 3 UConn Huskies in the Final Four. However, the Hawkeyes didn’t stop there. On Sunday, April 7th, they faced the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA National Championship game.
The Iowa Hawkeyes beat the Connecticut Huskies 71-69 in a thrilling game to qualify for the final of Women's March Madness 🔥
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 6, 2024
They face the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday in the championship game.
(via @espnW)pic.twitter.com/NTdsibeafd
With the Gamecocks boasting an impressive 38-0 record, the Hawkeyes couldn’t overcome their dominance, ultimately falling short with a score of 87-75. Tessa Johnson led the South Carolina Gamecocks with a remarkable performance, scoring a team-high 19 points and three triples. Additionally, Kamilla Cardoso contributed significantly with 15 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks.
Coach Dawn Staley’s undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks have defeated Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes to win the NCAA women’s basketball national championship with a final score of 87-75.pic.twitter.com/l1XcDm1Naw
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) April 7, 2024
Meanwhile, Iowa’s Kate Martin and Sydney Affolter got off to a strong start, giving their team a quick 7-0 lead. On the opposing side, Iowa’s Kate Martin and Sydney Affolter provided an early spark, establishing a quick 7-0 lead. However, it was Caitlin Clark who stole the spotlight, scoring an impressive 18 points during just half the quarter, and 30 points total in the final game of her collegiate career. Despite Clark’s outstanding efforts, Iowa couldn’t win, marking their second consecutive year falling short in the national final.
The happiest of tears from Dawn Staley and who is there to pick her up? Aliyah Boston.
— Tyler DeLuca (@TylerDeLuca) April 7, 2024
This feels like a moment that just encapsulates everything that Dawn has been able to build at SC. pic.twitter.com/Jk5086Z86z
Guiding the South Carolina Gamecocks to victory is head coach Dawn Michelle Staley, a celebrated figure in basketball. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Staley has an impressive legacy, including three Olympic gold medals as a player with Team USA.
What Caitlin Clark did for the sport of women’s basketball transcends a collegiate championship
— Jared Smith (@jaredleesmith) April 7, 2024
Dawn picked the perfect moment and nailed the delivery 🎯
This is the only correct take… pic.twitter.com/cppQoNhxZf
Following her team’s triumph in securing the NCAA National Championship, Staley Expressed gratitude for the win thanking God, and also took a moment to acknowledge Caitlin Clark’s exceptional talent, referring to her as one of the greatest players in the game. “I wanna personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport, she carried a heavy load, when she’s the number 1 pick in the WNBA draft she’s gonna lift that league up as well. So Caitlin, if you’re out there you are one of the GOATS of our game and we appreciate you,” she said.
Caitlin Clark says farewell to College Basketball pic.twitter.com/bnByffLtn2
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 7, 2024
Caitlin Clark, the senior guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, known as the greatest offensive player in decades. After finishing her career with 3,951 points, she said farewell to both her teammates and the women’s NCCA basketball league. After Sunday’s national championship loss to the Gamecocks, Clark shared a picture of her black Iowa jersey and her yellow sneakers along with a brief three-word remark. Clark is going to be the leader of the next wave of WNBA stars. When the draft starts, she is probably going to be the first overall choice.
As the season ends, the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrate their well-deserved triumph, while the Iowa Hawkeyes reflect on their journey and look ahead to future opportunities.
Be sure to follow @hiphopuntapped for Hip Hop News, Entertainment , Fashion , & Sports.
