South Carolina versus Iowa caps a historic season
South Carolina is perfect. Women's college basketball is great.
In a highly anticipated National Championship matchup against Iowa and Caitlin Clark, the Gamecocks emerged victorious with an 87-75 win. South Carolina's third title in four years came when all eyes were on women's basketball in a season filled with star power and larger-than-life coaches. The South Carolina-Iowa matchup was no different, as the NCAA all-time leading scorer faced off against a dominant South Carolina team coached by Dawn Staley.
The Women's March Madness tournament has been ratings gold for ESPN, with a new viewership record set each week. This year's Final Four matchups between South Carolina and NC State, as well as Iowa and UConn, averaged 10.8 million viewers, breaking last year's championship record of 9.9 million. The Iowa-UConn game averaged 14.2 million viewers, with a peak of 17 million.
For the fans, the final lived up to the hype. Iowa started hot, as Clark had 18 points in the first 10 minutes, but South Carolina's bench and defense proved too much. A bench player, freshman guard Tessa Johnson, led all South Carolina players with 19 points. With many eyes focused on the Caitlin Clark era, young players demonstrate their ability to make a difference and lead teams on the biggest stage.
With South Carolina's win, Clark finishes her legendary career with Iowa as the NCAA all-time leading scorer with 3,951 points. Though she never won a national championship, she played in two, improving the other players on her team with her presence and basketball IQ. Millions of people were drawn to her flashy play and logo 3-pointers as she completed her senior season wearing a heavy crown as one of the greatest college basketball players and a commercial star. Clark helped bring women's college basketball into the mainstream, and chances are you've seen a State Farm or Nike commercial with her in it. But more importantly, she inspired people to dream big and pushed the limits of collegiate women's sports coverage. We will remember Clark for her time on the court, but her legacy and impact extend well beyond.
On the other bench, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley created a dynasty at the school. In a year many thought would be a rebuilding year with an entirely new starting five, Staley led her team to the 10th-ever perfect season and the first since UConn in 2016. She's one of the greatest coaches of all time, beloved across the sport for her winning ways (109-3) since 2021, her care for the players on her team and other teams, and her outspoken support for human rights.
Women's college basketball is rising, as demonstrated by the excitement millions experienced over the entire season, culminating in an electric tournament. As fans, we must carry this momentum beyond the game and continue pushing streamers to show and cover women's sports. Sure, it's the end of an era, but the next breakthrough is waiting.