- South Carolina defeated Iowa 87-75 in the national championship game
- Messages from sports stars and more congratulated the Gamecocks
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President Joe Biden, former Commander in Chief Barack Obama and NBA legend LeBron James lead the congratulations for South Carolina women’s basketball after the Gamecocks defeated Iowa and Caitlin Clark in the national championship game on Sunday.
In a rematch of last season’s Final Four, where the Hawkeyes handed the Gamecocks their only loss of the season, two games short of a perfect season, South Carolina avenged that loss and won a second national championship in three seasons.
Iowa led by as many as 11 points early in the game, but could not overcome the Gamecocks’ depth.
South Carolina had seven players score at least six points, including four players in double figures.
Clark scored 30 points in her final collegiate game as she will likely be the No. 1 overall selection in this month’s WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever.
South Carolina capped a perfect season by beating Iowa in the title game on Sunday
South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso helped cut down the nets after the Gamecocks’ win
“Congratulations to @GamecockWBB for capping off a perfect season with a victory in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship – your teamwork, focus and tenacity were on full display all year long. You have made your school and community proud,” Biden said on social media.
“Congratulations to @GamecockWBB and Coach @DawnStaley on a perfect season and their third title! It’s been an incredible year for women’s basketball, and this team has been so disciplined and talented. Well deserved,” Obama added.
‘Protect Dawn Staley AT ALL COSTS!! No ifs, ands, or buts!’ James said on X.
“This GM will be the most WBB GM ever. It did not disappoint. Congratulations Lady Gamecocks,” added Shannon Sharpe.
“I’m so happy for @dawnstaley!! As a black woman, I admire what you have done! You always controlled me and always loved me like your own!’ said former LSU star Angel Reese.
A collection of social media posts congratulating South Carolina on its title victory
Clark, Gabbie Marshall and Kate Martin all played the entire game, except the final possession, for Iowa.
South Carolina had five players selected in last year’s WNBA Draft and has adapted heavily to win the championship this season.
The closest the Gamecocks came to a loss this season was in the Southeastern Conference Tournament, where they needed a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Kamilla Cardoso to beat Tennessee.
South Carolina found a way and finished the year 38-0.