Caitlin Clark on matchup with South Carolina: 'You can't ask for anything better'

Iowa and South Carolina will meet for the national championship on Sunday in what will be a battle between college basketball’s biggest star in Caitlin Clark and an undefeated juggernaut in the Gamecocks.

A record number of eyes have tuned in to the 2024 NCAA Tournament to watch these two teams throughout their run. More of the same is expected as one of the most influential seasons in women’s college basketball history culminates in Cleveland.

Ahead of Sunday’s title game, Clark explained what this matchup means for the state of women’s college basketball.

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“I think this matchup, you can’t ask for anything better,” Clark said. “I think it speaks to the way women’s basketball has been tremendous on all levels all throughout the year. We know we have our hands full. Everybody around the country knows South Carolina has been the team all year. They’ve observed that. They’ve earned it. They’ve just been incredible.

“I’ve turned on the TV most of the times they’ve played because they’re so much fun to watch. The depth that they have, the way they rebound the ball, the way they’re shooting the ball. They’ve just been incredible.”

The Gamecocks are one of college basketball’s best stories this season. Head coach Dawn Staley was tasked with rebuilding South Carolina’s roster after losing seven players to graduation last year.

Elevating those with experience inside the program, like Kamilla Cardoso, Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins, among others, who have seen Staley’s standard while also bringing in key pieces from the 2023 recruiting class such as Milaysia Fulwiley and transfers like Te-Hina Paopao have been the perfect recipe for the Gamecocks. Staley has taken these pieces, made them click and South Carolina has, in turn, never tasted defeat this season.

For Clark, she’s been her usual self averaging 30.0 point, 9.4 assists and 7.6 rebounds through five NCAA Tournament games while carrying the Hawkeyes to the national title game. No matter the outcome, it’s Clark’s last game at Iowa. Being the ultimate competitor, she wants to make the most out of her final opportunity to win a national title.

“We have five people on our team that this is the last time you get to put on your college uniform,” Clark said. “I don’t think you need much more motivation than that. We’re going to give it every single thing we’ve got.”

Tip-off between the Hawkeyes and Gamecocks is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET and will air live on ABC and ESPN. Iowa enters game day as a 6.5-point underdog, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.