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(CNN) South Carolina’s march to the National Championship title seemed all but certain. Defending champions and No. 1 seed South Carolina have won 42 straight games over 389 days, stretching back to last season’s national title win.
It takes one of the NCAA’s great performances to beat the Gamecocks, and that’s exactly what Kaitlyn Clarke produced Friday, sending second-seeded Iowa to 77 in the Final Four against the undefeated defending champions. -73 lead to a staggering victory. Aviation Center in Dallas, Texas.
Overall, Clarke scored a Women’s Final Four record 41 points in front of a roaring crowd of over 19,000 fans following her 41-point triple-double in the Elite Eight.
The newly crowned AP Player of the Year added eight assists and six rebounds to give the Hawkeyes the final 13 points in the fourth quarter and propel them to the first NCAA title game in show history.
After the game, Clarke said on ESPN’s broadcast, “All we did was trust each other.” We knew they were going to beat us, but all we had to do was have our hearts and our convictions and we knew we had come through when we needed to make a big play. I’m just so proud of this group.”
South Carolina guard Zia Cook had 24 points and eight rebounds, while star forward Aaliyah Boston scored eight on a 2-for-9 field shot.
The Iowa Hawkeyes celebrating their victory.
Meanwhile, No. 3 seed LSU made a dramatic comeback in the fourth quarter, beating No. 1 seed Virginia Tech 79-72 to advance to their first national title in program history. Sunday.
The Tigers trailed by nine points entering the fourth quarter, but held on to a memorable victory as they went on a 22-3 run to take a double-digit lead of 72-62 with three minutes remaining.
LSU guard Alexis Morris scored a game-high 27 points, while star forward Angel Reese added 24 points and 12 rebounds for a total of 20 points in LSU’s 29 points in the fourth quarter. included.
“It’s a dream. I don’t think I’m in the Final Four yet. I can’t believe it now,” Reese said after the game. “It’s absolutely crazy how much my life has changed in one year. How much I’ve grown on and off the court and to be with this amazing program, LSU, and amazing teammates and amazing coaches. I don’t even know how I feel right now.”
LSU Women’s head coach Kim Mulkey, who coached Baylor three times in 2005, 2012 and 2019, became the second coach to lead two different programs to a national championship game.
“I’m blessed,” Malkey said as he reached the title game. I never thought I would do
“Think of all the men who have played at LSU, all the women who have played. It’s an achievement. It’s a step in the right direction,” Malkey added.
Iowa and LSU will face off in the Women’s National Championship on Sunday, April 2nd.
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