The Iowa Hawkeyes and the South Carolina Gamecocks contest the NCAA Tournament title on Sunday in Cleveland, Ohio, in a rematch of last year's Final Four, which Iowa won. Caitlin Clark scored 40 points as the Hawkeyes dethroned South Carolina in a game that broke viewing records for women's College basketball. The number one pick in this month's WNBA draft will have to do it again against an imperious Gamecocks who are 37-0 and aiming to be the first team to win the championship undefeated.
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Basketball: 2024 NCAA Tournament Women's Championship
Where to Watch: ABC
Venue: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, Ohio
Date: 07.04.2024 22:00
Iowa Hawkeyes
That the Hawkeyes make it to the national championship game for the second straight year, including winning the Big Ten Tournament, is all down to the influence of their record-breaking Senior, Caitlin Clark. The Iowa star is now the Division I all-time leading scorer, men's or women's. Her record career total of 3,921 points is highlighted by her being the first female player to score more than 3,000 points. Against UConn in the semis, the Hawkeyes trailed after the first half, with Clark restricted by Nika Muhl. Iowa closed the deficit in the third quarter, ending the third 51-51. They then outscored the Huskies 20-18 to advance to the final with the help of some last-minute brilliant defensive play.
I'm just really grateful; I used every single second of my college career over the last two years. To be able to go out on top would be super special, but we're going to have our hands full. South Carolina has been the best all year and has been at a different level than anybody else.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Expectedly, the No. 1 seeded Gamecocks dominated North Carolina to advance to the title match against the team that dethroned them last year. A third-quarter blitz came in handy as South Carolina defeated NC State 78-59, with the only concern being the injury scare of the star guard, Kamilla Cardoso. The Senior got into a tangle of ankles and banged her knee on the ground. However, "Killa Milla" displayed her trademark mentality to return in the second half and dominate the scoring. Last year, the Gamecocks were favorites to defeat Iowa, but Clark and the Hawkeyes upset them 77-73. This year, the undefeated Gamecocks are not underestimating opponents as they aim to become champions.
We lost the Final Four last year, and we do not want to experience that again. We are very determined to win it all and do something the coach has never accomplished before—having an undefeated season to the national championship and winning that as well. It feels great, but I'm ready to play right now.
Betting Odds
Iowa Hawkeyes are 3.20 underdogs on Bet365 with the over 159.5 priced at 1.90 odds on the sportsbook. Iowa to score under 76.5 points is available at 1.833 on 1XBET, which prices any team to win by 11-15 points at 4.5 odds. Betwinner prices South Carolina to win by 6 or more points at 1.714 and SC Gamecocks (-3) handicap at 1.5. Read more here.
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