Iowa outlasts South Carolina 77-73 in women’s Final Four

DALLAS (FOX Carolina) - The Gamecock women narrowly missed making it to another National Championship with a 77-73 loss to Iowa on Friday night.

South Carolina’s offense couldn’t wear down the Hawkeyes’ Caitlin Clark who, after being named Naismith’s 2023 Player of the Year, went on to score most of the team’s winning goals and hit 1,000 points in a single season.

The upset snapped the top-seeded Gamecocks’ undefeated streak and earned No. 2 Iowa its first-ever appearance in the National Championship.

Below is the full blog of updates throughout the game:

The matchup was highly anticipated as Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, winner of the 2023 Naismith and AP Player of the year awards, faced off against the previous year’s winner of both awards in the Gamecocks’ Aaliyah Boston.

South Carolina fans in Dallas expressed their pride for the team this season and expect a strong return again next year.

“It’s mixed emotions, but I’m proud of the Lady Gamecocks,” said Erica Lakin. “They’ve had a wonderful season and I say kudos to them.”

Friday’s game marked South Carolina’s third straight trip to the Final Four and their fifth appearance overall. Iowa made its second-ever appearance in the national semifinal as the last time the Hawkeyes made the Final Four was in 1993.

“All the freshies that are now seniors I’m just disappointed for them and having an undefeated season you know,” said Gamecock fan Diane Bull. “But you have to give it to Caitlin Clark.”

Iowa will face No. 3 LSU in the National Championship on Sunday, Apr. 2. The Tigers beat Virginia Tech 79-72 on Friday night.

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