I was here. It's a competition between generations to compete for the national tournament. The best player in the nation, Iowa's Caitlin Clark, will face the best team in the nation, undefeated South Carolina.
In a season where so much history was made, including Clark's scoring record and multiple TV viewership milestones, this game seems like the perfect way to end a memorable season.
This is a rematch of last year's Final Four, where Iowa defeated then-unbeaten South Carolina. The Gamecocks (37-0) haven't lost since, despite significantly revamping their starting lineup.
The same guy from last year is Clark, who won the Naismith Player of the Year award for the second straight year while climbing the record books this season. Sunday will be the final game of her historic college career, but will she really be the GOAT if she doesn't win a championship?
Her Hawkeyes came up just short in the national title game against LSU last year. They have a chance to bounce back, while the Shamcocks have a chance to finish a perfect season.
You can't write a script better than this. Follow along throughout the day as we track the action in Cleveland.
Women's NCAA Championship
3 p.m. ET — No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 1 Iowa (ABC)
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The final quarter begins! It starts with Stuelke at the free throw line after a take to the basket.
Finished 3rd: South Carolina 68, Iowa 59
Clark tried to end the quarter with a 3-pointer, but it was no good.
Tessa Johnson has hot hands. Iowa called a timeout after hitting its second 3-pointer of the quarter.
The next Shamcock to score 3 is Bree Hall. South Carolina was up 10 points on her.
Oh boy. Clark scored again in the paint. She almost made a great assist to Sturke. South Carolina took advantage of the mistake, secured a defensive rebound, and turned it around on Tessa Johnson's 3-pointer.
Iowa State's Gabby Marshall made her first field goal of the game, a 3-pointer. Clark assisted on this and gave Stuelke the highlight assist.
Clark scored in the paint, prompting the officials to call a foul. Cardoso reached the free-throw line on the other side instead. She missed both free throws. A few plays later, Kitts was called for an offensive foul on a drive to the basket.
And the third quarter ends. South Carolina took the lead with Chloe Kitts making a layup with an assist from Paopao. Kitz followed up with a jumper.
After another jumper by Paopao, the Shamcocks lead 6-0.
Referees on the hot seat
Happy halftime! It appears that the conversation during the break shifted to the officials. Reporters, athletes, and sports media personalities gave their opinions throughout the game.
The South Carolina staff is still angry about Caitlin Clark's apparent push on Bree Hall that resulted in three points.
The sound you hear behind the bench at USC here in Cleveland after Full Willie is fouled. #Gamefowl Gabby Marshall wanted to call the flop. Full Willy, give a shout out to the Iowa State guard…
South Carolina is very good at adding a few more points at the end of the quarter. That paid off in a big way in the regular season win against LSU (one of the few close games). Those early five points heading into the first half could be important.
Halftime: South Carolina 49, Iowa 46
Iowa State's Kate Martin finished the first half of her final college game with 11 points. South Carolina guard Tehina Paopao is 3-for-3 from the 3-point line.
Paopao ended the second quarter with a big three for South Carolina after a block from Feagin. Raven Johnson further extended the Gamecocks' lead with a steal and a fast-break layup.
Stuelke returned to the free-throw line. She has the last point for Iowa.
She made a huge difference on both ends for Iowa, including this block in the first quarter.
Do you know who didn't play in the 2023 semifinal matchup? Tessa Johnson, since she was still in high school. She led South Carolina off the bench with an efficient nine points.
Cardoso's layup gave South Carolina the lead, but Iowa tied it with a quick answer from Stuelke. She was fouled under the basket when she scored. This is the second personal one for Athyrun Watkins.
South Carolina had the most 12-second chance points in a wild sequence, with Cardoso making a layup.
The second quarter has begun. South Carolina freshman Tessa Johnson was the first to score in the period.
Everyone is watching…
If you're not into Caitlin Clark's game, you're just a flat out hater!!!!! Stay far away from them!please
