Caitlin Clark played her last game as an Iowa Hawkeye last Sunday, in arguably the most anticipated Woman’s College Basketball game of all time. The Hawkeyes had gone on their second straight storybook run to the National Championship, and it was only right they would have to play the number one-ranked and undefeated South Carolina. The Gamecocks were 73-1 in the past two seasons, with the only loss coming to Iowa in the National Semifinal in 2023. The rematch was set for a game that nobody would forget. The Hawkeyes would fall short of the ultimate goal, losing 87-75.
The Hawks came out hot to start the game, getting out to a 10-0 lead and eventually a 20-9 lead with 5:20 to go in the first quarter. South Carolina fought back, making it 27-20 at the end of the quarter. It seemed the Hawkeyes could do no wrong. Caitlin Clark had 18 points and the Hawks hit four threes, as well as Clark getting fouled on a three and making all three free throws. South Carolina came out flat but had gained consciousness and was fighting back out of the hole Iowa put them in.
South Carolina continued fighting back in the second, and was able to capitalize on some Iowa turnovers, including some careless dribbling from Clark to end the half that gave USC momentum. The Gamecocks tied the game for the first time after a 7-0 run to start the quarter, but a Sydney Affolter three gave Iowa life to take a 30-27 lead. It would go back and forth from there on, with both teams responding to each other’s blows. Eventually, Raven Johnson would come up with a steal at half court off of Caitlin Clark that would lead to a wide open layup to give South Carolina a three point lead going into the break.
Things started going downhill for Iowa, as the dream seemed to be slipping away in the third quarter. South Carolina got out to a nine-point lead to start the half. Iowa would eventually claw back but just when it seemed they had a shot to get back in the game, Hannah Stuelke got a beautiful pass from Caitlin for a wide open layup that was missed, South Carolina would take the ball down the court and hit a three. Just when it seemed that a layup would make it a two-point game, the hawkeyes were back down seven, a huge five-point swing. And just when it was seven, it turned to ten, USC Head Coach Dawn Staley had her team locked in and everything was falling for them.
In the fourth quarter, Iowa only once cut the lead to five, but when they did, they never scored again. They eventually fell 87-75. Caitlin Clark finished with 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Kate Martin finished with 16 points and five rebounds. Gabbie Marshall finished with six points and three rebounds. All three of those players played their last game as a Hawkeye. Iowa finishes their season with a record of 34-6.
