It's perfection for South Carolina.
The Gameco*cks completed an undefeated season with a thrilling 87-75 victory over Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the NCAA championship game on Sunday in Cleveland.
South Carolina (38-0) was the best team in the nation all season and it showed why on Sunday with an all-around scoring effort and a dominant showing on the glass.
Freshman Tessa Johnson led the Gameco*cks with 19 points off the bench, but Kamilla Cardoso was the heart at soul as usual. She finished with 15 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks in an outstanding two-way effort.
The loss ends a record-breaking career for Clark, who leaves as the all-time leading scorer in both men's and women's college basketball. She scored 30 to lead Iowa on Sunday but it wasn't enough.
LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER59 updates
Featured
Yahoo Sports Staff
Yahoo Sports Staff
Kamilla Cardoso named Final Four's Most Outstanding Player
Introducing your Most Outstanding Player, @Kamillascsilva.#NationalChampionship x @Gameco*ckWBB pic.twitter.com/yE9yTy6rBa
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) April 7, 2024
Callie Lawson-Freeman
Dawn Staley gives Iowa's superstar major kudos during the trophy presentation: "Caitlin Clark, if you're somewhere watching this, you are one of the GOATs of our game and we appreciate you."
She noted that Clark carried a "heavy load" with her popularity, and it forever impacted the game.
Dawn Staley with a tribute to Caitlin Clark and what she's done for the game: "You are one of the GOATs of our game and we appreciate you" pic.twitter.com/Rg4okSZlFE
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) April 7, 2024
Callie Lawson-Freeman
Kamilla Cardoso wins Most Outstanding Player, a fitting send off before she joins the WNBA as a projected lottery pick.
Callie Lawson-Freeman
See AlsoClemson Athletics, Block C Club Announce 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame ClassCaitlin Clark and Iowa are heading back to the women’s national title game, will face South Carolina | CNNCaitlin Clark and Iowa are heading back to the women’s national title game, will face South Carolina | CNNNCAA Men's Tournament Sweet 16 updatesSouth Carolina fields congrats from a former president. They'll be invited to visit President Joe Biden in honor of the win.
Congrats to @Gameco*ckWBB and Coach @DawnStaley on a perfect season and their third title! It's been an incredible year for women's basketball, and this team was so disciplined and talented. Well deserved. https://t.co/df5oWdl5a7
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 7, 2024
Callie Lawson-Freeman
This interview captured it all. After rolling past NC State, Staley told Boston she wanted to win it for "The Freshies." The class of stars left South Carolina for the WNBA after losing to Iowa in the Final Four last year. Now, they'll get their rings.
Dawn Staley is feeling all of the emotions right now ❤️#WFinalFour | #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/oU0MFLMv7M
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 7, 2024
Callie Lawson-Freeman
What Caitlin Clark accomplished this season will never be forgotten. The clear No. 1 pick, she will continue to draw crowds when the WNBA season tips off on May 15.
A tough end to an unbelievable career from Caitlin Clark 👏 @IowaAwesome pic.twitter.com/3WKMbx4wAs
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 7, 2024
Callie Lawson-Freeman
Final: South Carolina 87, Iowa 75
There are tears everywhere. Even alum Aliyah Boston broke down as she stood behind a teary Dawn Staley during the postgame interview.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 🏆
A PERFECT SEASON FOR THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAMEco*ckS!#WFinalFour | #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/663rvLlb4g
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 7, 2024
Callie Lawson-Freeman
As Clark subs out and says her goodbye to college basketball, Molly Davis subs in to touch the court after an injury kept her out.
Callie Lawson-Freeman
That's it. Raven Johnson dribbles to wait out the clock and coach Staley tells her not to shoot.
Callie Lawson-Freeman
South Carolina fans can taste the win now. Clark sent PaoPao to the free throw line with 1:07 remming and she made both of her attempts. Up 12 points, the Gameco*cks are so close to completing a perfect season.
Callie Lawson-Freeman
Fans are booing after Iowa's Kate Martin was called for a foul. She hooked Ashlyn Watkins, who went 1-for-2 from the free throw line.
Callie Lawson-Freeman
Cardoso is the key of this game. After an offensive rebound and layup, she's up to 15 points.
Callie Lawson-Freeman
South Carolina didn't like that one. Affolter stole the ball from Raven Johnson near the half court line and completed a three-point play after she was fouled on the layup.
Callie Lawson-Freeman
South Carolina's Tessa Johnson was fouled by Kate Marshall and she made both of her free throws. Martin answered with a layup on the other end assisted by Clark.
Callie Lawson-Freeman
This 3 from Marshall was crucial for Iowa, capping off an 8-0 run.
GABBI333. @GabbieMarshall x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/PEg9cdSifP
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) April 7, 2024
Callie Lawson-Freeman
Stuelke missed both of her free throws and Johnson capitalized for South Carolina with a jumper. Clark answered with a jumper and Fulwiley scored a layup on the other end.
Callie Lawson-Freeman
The final quarter is underway! We're starting with Stuelke at the free throw line after a take to the basket.
Callie Lawson-Freeman
End of 3rd: South Carolina 68, Iowa 59
Clark attempted to end the quarter with a three-pointer but it was no good.
Callie Lawson-Freeman
TESSA JOHNSON has the hot hand. Iowa calls a timeout after she hits another 3-pointer, her second of the quarter.
Callie Lawson-Freeman
Bree Hall is the next Gameco*ck to score a 3. South Carolina is up 10 points.
BIG. SHOT. BREEZY!! 😤
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@Gameco*ckWBB) April 7, 2024
