National Title Preview: Iowa vs South Carolina

The best women's college basketball player of all time, Caitlin Clark, leads the Iowa Hawkeyes against an undefeated South Carolina team that has blown through any team standing in their way. Just an incredible basketball matchup between two heavyweights in the sport that will take place Sunday at 3 pm.

What Makes South Carolina So Good?

On offense, South Carolina impresses with their front courts athletic ability. Yet, it is the three point shooting that buries their opponents. Shooting a collective 40% from three, Milaysia Fulwiley(#12), Te-Hina Paopao(#0), Bree Hall (#23), and Raven Johnson (#25) all have the green light to shoot threes whenever they have an inch of space.

Unfortunately for opponents, the Gamecocks are just as good on the defensive end. Their non-switching defense reminds me a lot of UConn on the men's side. They have athleticism and size throughout the rotation that runs nine deep. South Carolina will not be beaten by teams attacking off the dribble or using physicality. If anyone is to knock off South Carolina, it will come through ball movement and player movement.

What Makes Iowa So Good?

Now, it is obvious to start with the greatest scorer the college game has ever seen aka Caitlin Clark (#22). And while this is completely accurate, it is how Clark powers a lethal transition offense. Against UConn in the FInal Four and throughout this season, Iowa creates easy offense with players getting behind the defense or cutting through a defense built around "stopping" Clark.

While South Carolina beats teams with great size and length, Iowa uses speed and anticipation to cause havoc. Especially with South Carolina looking for deep post ups, Iowa's ability to force turnovers with dig downs or by jumping passing lanes will be vital for the Hawkeyes to get Iowa's speed into the open court.

Key Matchup

While any matchup between Caitlin Clark is fascinating, especially against an elite guard (with an elite name) in Te-Hina Paopao. It is the matchup between dominate center Kamilla Cardoso (#10), who is leading the Gamecocks in scoring. On the Iowa side, Hannah Stuelke (#45) is coming off an incredible 23 point in the Final Four against UConn.

The 2024 National Champion Is...

College basketball fans are blessed with this amazing matchup that is somehow forcing a similarly great men's championship into the background. If Iowa can hold up on the boards and kick off their transition game, this game could be very close. Yet, the size and shooting from South Carolina is the reason why I think Dawn Staley wins her second title in three years.