The rivalry between the Iowa Hawkeyes and South Carolina Gamecocks in women’s basketball is a showcase of passion, talent, and strategic brilliance. These two powerhouse programs have delivered unforgettable moments, particularly in their NCAA tournament showdowns. From Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking performances to South Carolina’s dominance under the leadership of Kamilla Cardoso, every matchup between these teams is a clash of elite athletes and championship aspirations.
This blog delves into the rich stats and storylines that define their encounters—exploring offensive firepower, defensive strategies, and pivotal moments that shape the narrative. Whether you’re a fan of Iowa’s high-scoring style or South Carolina’s defensive prowess, this matchup represents the pinnacle of women’s college basketball competition. Let’s dive in!
2024 Championship Game Stats
A snapshot of the final game’s key numbers, showcasing each team’s performance at a glance.
| Category | Iowa Hawkeyes | South Carolina Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | 25-63 (39.7%) | 35-73 (47.9%) |
| 3-Point Field Goals | 9-23 (39.1%) | 8-19 (42.1%) |
| Free Throws | 16-20 (80.0%) | 9-17 (52.9%) |
| Rebounds (Total) | 29 | 51 |
| Assists | 13 | 16 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 13 |
| Steals | 6 | 8 |
| Blocks | 4 | 8 |
| Personal Fouls | 14 | 17 |
Historic Head-to-Head Results
Although limited in total matchups, these meetings have been pivotal, featuring electrifying performances and postseason implications.
| Year | Round | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Final Four | 77–73 | Iowa |
| 2024 | Championship | 87–75 | South Carolina |
2023-2024 Season Comparison
A broader look at each team’s season averages and key statistics beyond just the championship matchup.
| Statistic | Iowa Hawkeyes | South Carolina Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 37 | 38 |
| Overall Record | 34-3 | 38-0 |
| Points Per Game | 91.0 | 85.4 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 71.9 | 56.6 |
| Rebounding Margin | +5.0 | +15.0 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 49.5% | 47.9% |
| Free Throw Percentage | 80.0% | 52.9% |
| Turnovers Per Game | 9.0 | 13.0 |
Conference Standings (End of Regular Season)
Summaries of where Iowa and South Carolina stood within their respective conferences before heading into postseason play.
Big Ten Standings (Top 4)
| Team | Conference Record | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 15-3 | 34-3 |
| Maryland | 14-4 | 28-7 |
| Indiana | 13-5 | 25-9 |
| Michigan | 12-6 | 24-10 |
SEC Standings (Top 4)
| Team | Conference Record | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 16-0 | 38-0 |
| LSU | 14-2 | 29-6 |
| Tennessee | 12-4 | 26-11 |
| Georgia | 10-6 | 23-9 |
Top Five Scorers — 2023-2024 Season
A closer look at the leading scorers for each team throughout the regular and postseason.
Iowa Hawkeyes
| Player | PPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark | 31.6 | 45.5% | 37.8% |
| McKenna Warnock | 14.5 | 50.2% | 39.0% |
| Kate Martin | 10.8 | 47.5% | 36.2% |
| Monika Czinano | 9.7 | 53.1% | – |
| Gabbie Marshall | 8.1 | 42.9% | 37.5% |
South Carolina Gamecocks
| Player | PPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aliyah Boston | 14.1 | 54.2% | – |
| Kamilla Cardoso | 12.5 | 58.5% | – |
| Zia Cooke | 12.2 | 44.8% | 36.0% |
| Te-Hina Paopao | 10.6 | 46.0% | 39.5% |
| Raven Johnson | 8.9 | 40.3% | 32.4% |
Notable Performances & Individual Impact
Iowa Hawkeyes
Caitlin Clark: Scored 30 points in the title game, continuing her star-level production.
Kate Martin: Provided leadership and shot-making, albeit overshadowed by Clark.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Kamilla Cardoso: Dominated the glass, netting 15 points & 17 rebounds in the championship.
Te-Hina Paopao: Timely perimeter scoring and defensive efforts to contain Iowa’s guards.
South Carolina’s victory underscores their defensive depth and size, while Iowa’s performance highlights the impact of Caitlin Clark’s remarkable skillset.
Road to the Championship
Both teams experienced record-breaking seasons leading up to their national championship clash.
Iowa Hawkeyes
• Overall: 34-3
• Big Ten Tournament Champions
• Scored a nation-leading 91.0 PPG
• Led by NPOY Caitlin Clark
South Carolina Gamecocks
• Overall: 38-0
• Perfect Season, SEC Champions
• Allowed just 56.6 PPG (top 5 in the nation)
• Depth & rebounding +15 margin
Coaches’ Corner
Lisa Bluder (Iowa)
“We’ve prided ourselves on an offense that’s tough to contain. Every possession matters when you’re facing a team as deep as South Carolina—they force you out of your comfort zone.”
— Lisa BluderDawn Staley (South Carolina)
“Our players understood that a perfect season demands perfect focus. We trusted each other, we defended, and we played with heart every single game.”
— Dawn StaleyGame-Changing Factors & Analysis
- Rebounding Edge: South Carolina’s +22 advantage in the title game was monumental.
- Adjustments on Clark: Defensive switches and traps limited her late scoring.
- Bench Support: The Gamecocks’ rotation maintained intensity on both ends.
- Clutch Runs: Timely spurts in the 3rd and 4th quarters broke Iowa’s momentum.
*Example line chart for points by quarter. Adjust data for actual game flow.
*Example bar chart comparing 2PT vs. 3PT attempts/makes for each team.
Fan Reactions
@HawkeyeFaithful
“Such a memorable run. We’ll be back stronger next year—Clark and crew are changing the game!”
@SCDynasty
“Dawn Staley’s program is unstoppable. We just witnessed one of the best defensive teams in NCAA history finish with a perfect record.”
@BBallFanatic123
“This rivalry is everything women’s hoops needs—star power, drama, and sold-out arenas. Absolutely phenomenal season.”
@StatGeek99
“Check the rebounding stats—51 to 29 in the final. That sealed it for the Gamecocks. Unreal board control!”
Legends Shaping the Rivalry
Caitlin Clark (Iowa)
Explosive Guard
Record-breaking scorer, unmatched range, and a fierce competitor. A generational talent who redefined Iowa’s ceiling.
Aliyah Boston (SC)
Defensive Anchor
A double-double machine whose interior dominance anchored multiple SEC and national championship runs.
Kamilla Cardoso (SC)
2024 MOP
Her interior scoring and rebounding provided the Gamecocks with an unstoppable inside-out attack.
Dawn Staley (SC)
Elite Head Coach
A Hall of Famer who orchestrated South Carolina’s dynasty, blending elite recruiting with strategic defensive brilliance.
Season Milestones
- Iowa (34-3): Big Ten Champs, advanced to national final, Caitlin Clark repeated as NPOY.
- South Carolina (38-0): Perfect season, third national championship, dominating defense, rebounding margin of +15.0.
- Historic Viewership: Broke TV records, underscoring surging interest in women’s hoops.
Iowa vs. South Carolina Women’s Basketball: Series History
The Iowa Hawkeyes and South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball teams have faced each other three times in their history, with South Carolina leading the series 2-1.
| Date | Winner | Score | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 29, 1989 | South Carolina | 82-76 | |
| Mar 31, 2023 | Iowa | 77-73 | Caitlin Clark scored 41 points, leading Iowa to victory in the Final Four. |
| Apr 7, 2024 | South Carolina | 87-75 | Kamilla Cardoso contributed significantly with 15 points and 17 rebounds, earning Most Outstanding Player honors. |
Detailed Statistics from Recent Matchups
These statistics highlight the competitive nature of the matchups, with each team showcasing strengths in various aspects of the game.
March 31, 2023 – Iowa 77, South Carolina 73
| Team | FG% | 3P% | FT% | Rebounds | Assists | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 45.6 | 38.5 | 85.7 | 35 | 19 | 10 |
| South Carolina | 42.9 | 25.0 | 70.0 | 42 | 14 | 14 |
April 7, 2024 – South Carolina 87, Iowa 75
| Team | FG% | 3P% | FT% | Rebounds | Assists | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 39.7 | 39.1 | 80.0 | 29 | 13 | 9 |
| South Carolina | 47.9 | 42.1 | 52.9 | 51 | 16 | 13 |
Conclusion
The rivalry between the Iowa Hawkeyes and South Carolina Gamecocks in women’s basketball has delivered some of the sport’s most electrifying moments. Their showdowns in the 2023 and 2024 NCAA tournaments showcased incredible talent and fierce competition. In 2023, Caitlin Clark’s phenomenal 41-point performance propelled Iowa to a thrilling 77-73 victory in the Final Four.
A year later, South Carolina, led by Kamilla Cardoso’s 15 points and 17 rebounds, claimed an 87-75 win in the national championship, completing a perfect season. These games highlight the brilliance and intensity of women’s college basketball, capturing the imagination of fans. As both teams continue to excel, their future matchups promise more unforgettable moments in this exciting rivalry.
John Wada is an American news writer known for his insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of current events. With a career spanning several years, John has built a reputation for delivering accurate, in-depth reports on both local and international news. His writing not only informs but also encourages readers to think critically about the world around them. Outside of his journalistic endeavors, John is passionate about mentoring young writers and is actively involved in various community outreach programs.