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.
Kamilla Cardoso named Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player
Introducing your Most Outstanding Player, @Kamillascsilva.#NationalChampionship x @GamecockWBB pic.twitter.com/yE9yTy6rBa
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) April 7, 2024
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. 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.
Dawn Staley is feeling all of the emotions right now ❤️#WFinalFour | #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/oU0MFLMv7M
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 7, 2024
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.
A tough end to an unbelievable career from Caitlin Clark 👏 @IowaAwesome pic.twitter.com/3WKMbx4wAs
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 7, 2024
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.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 🏆
A PERFECT SEASON FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS!#WFinalFour | #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/663rvLlb4g
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 7, 2024
