Like last year, Caitlin Clark and Iowa lost in the “March Madness” final. Because after falling against Angel Reese's LSU last season, the Hawkeyes this time fell (87-75) against Kamilla Cardoso's South Carolina.
The Gamecocks thus completed a perfect season, with 38 victories in as many games, becoming the 10th team to win the women's “March Madness” title at the end of a hitch-free season.
However, Caitlin Clark and company had gotten off to the best start, the shooter already making the baskets, while causing fouls, to increase the gap to +11 (20-9). But we knew that this final would be a style opposition and after a hesitant first few minutes, South Carolina began to take advantage of its size and power.
51 rebounds at 29, 48 points scored in the paint at 32
Enough to take the lead at halftime (49-46) after Raven Johnson's interception on Caitlin Clark and the layup immediately to reach the locker room with the wind at their backs.
And the wind never stopped blowing for Kamilla Cardoso (15 points, 17 rebounds, 3 blocks) and her teammates. Too big, too dominant on the rebound, they were able to control the accelerations of Caitlin Clark (30 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists), countering her several times when she tried to get closer to the circle.
The Hawkeyes threw their last strength into the battle, coming back to five small points (80-75) four minutes from the end. But dreams of a heist won't go any further for Iowa.
South Carolina therefore logically wins (87-75), to conclude a historic and perfect season. Caitlin Clark joins the WNBA with the status of top scorer in NCAA history, but no title.
