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South Carolina beat Iowa 87-75 to win its third NCAA women’s championship.
The Gamecocks’ Tessa Johnson had 19 points and Kamilla Cardoso had 15 as the team smothered Iowa’s hope for its first championship title.
It was the final game in the college career of Iowa Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark, who broke Division I scoring records for both women and men, and who is going to the WNBA draft. She had 30 points.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley was overcome with emotion and in tears after the win.
“I’m so incredibly happy for our players,” Staley said. “It doesn’t always end like you want it to end, much like last year.”
It was Iowa that knocked South Carolina out of the tournament last year, beating them in the Final Four. But since then, South Carolina has not lost a game.
“I’m super proud of where I work, I’m super proud of our fans — it’s awesome. It’s awesome. It’s unbelievable,” Staley said.
With the win, South Carolina had the 10th perfect season in the history of Division I women’s basketball.
Staley, after accepting the trophy along with her team, congratulated Iowa for an “incredible season,” and she singled out Clark.
“I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport,” Staley said. “She carried a heavy load for our sport. And it’s just — it’s not going to stop here on the collegiate tour, but when she is the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, she’s going to lift that league up as well.”
“So, Caitlin Clark, if you’re out there: You are one of the GOATs of our game, and we appreciate you,” Staley said, using the acronym for “greatest of all time.”
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