Caitlin Clark left no doubt that she was ready for the bright lights in the Final Four.
The Iowa star poured in 41 points and eight assists to lead the Hawkeyes past South Carolina, 77–73, lifting Iowa to its first national championship game in program history.
While the Gamecocks had the size and clear rebounding advantage, Clark’s display of offensive prowess was on full display—finishing in the paint underneath the Gamecocks’ length, nailing several patented deep three-pointers as well getting her teammates in position to score in transition and in the half court.
In addition to Clark recording her 19th game this season with at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists—which leads all players in Division I—forward Monika Czinano finished with 18 points and three rebounds in Iowa’s win.
With a 73–71 lead late in the game, Clark missed on a long-range three pointer with 20 seconds to play. However Iowa guard McKenna Warnock secured the rebound and was able to kick it back out to Clark, who was fouled with 14 seconds remaining. Clark notched a pair of free throws to bring her total to 39 points, an NCAA tournament semifinal record, before hitting two more in the game’s dying seconds to bring her total to 41.
Baccellieri: Two Talented Stars. Two Different Styles. One Seismic Matchup.
It’s South Carolina’s first loss since March 6, 2022, snapping a 42 game win streak.
Clark and Iowa will move on to play LSU at 3:30 p.m. Sunday in the national championship game.