'Heck of a game': Fans thrilled as South Carolina defeats Caitlin Clark and Iowa 87-75 to complete perfect season with NCAA championship title

CLEVELAND, SOUTH CAROLINA: Iowa Hawkeyes' superstar Caitlin Clark failed to end her college career on a high with an NCAA championship win ahead of the WNBA draft later this month, as the Gamecocks were crowned as this year's national champs.

Cleveland Cavaliers guards Tessa Johnson, Kamilla Cardoso, and Te-Hina Paopao combined for 48 points in their fantastic 87-75 comeback win on Sunday, April 7, at their home, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. 

Caitlin Clark ends her Iowa career with 3,951 points as the Gamecocks claim their third national title

Gamecocks came to overpower Clark's special 30-piece in her last game ever for the Hawkeyes. 

Iowa (34-5) started the game strong, outscoring their opponents 27–20. However, South Carolina (38–0) scored 29 points in the second quarter to offset the Hawkeyes.

Despite Clark's eight rebounds, which caused some anxious moments for Dawn Staley's unbeaten squad in the fourth quarter, the Gamecocks never looked back once they took a 49-46 lead at halftime.

The 22-year-old Clark, NCAA's all-time leading scorer for both men and women, made 10 of 28 shots, including five of 13 3-pointers, and finished her four-year stay in Iowa City with 3,951 points.

Clark's journey to her second consecutive NCAA final made the women's tournament a must-watch. Two times in the past week alone, her performances have broken the previous record for women's college basketball on TV.

''I personally want to thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport," said Staley after her Gamecocks claimed their third national title since she became the head coach in 2008, as per The Guardian. 

Previously South Carolina won in 2022 and 2017. With their latest victory, the Gamecocks became the 10th Division I team to go through a season without a loss. 

The Gamecocks coach added, "She carried a heavy load for our sport. ... Caitlin Clark if you're out there you're one of the GOATs of our game. We appreciate you," tracking back on her comments that Iowa's star play had to win a championship to secure her legacy in college sports.

Internet pour their love on Gamecocks 

The Internet was flooded with congratulatory posts after South Carolina's win. A Facebook user said, "Fantastic game!" and another said, "Go Carolina, deserving champions."

One more remarked, "Iowa just ran out of talent. Well matched game. Congratulations SC!" 

A person expressed, "Undefeated for a reason. Clark is a one woman show at times. Can't beat them alone or with threes. Too much talent and too much height bring wins all day!" 

"Wanted Iowa to win. But one heck of a game. South Carolina are champs and had a heck of a season. That coach they have is amazing," shared someone else. 

"I did not follow basketball that much however seeing their coach's face, she was almost in tears congratulations," said a netizen, while another person echoed, "They so deserve this, congratulations."

A South Carolina fan opined, "Gamecocks are that good! Great team win! 36 points off the bench! That's one deep team! Cardosa is unstoppable! Perfect season for a reason! Caitlin Clark is one player. There's nothing one player could have done to change this outcome."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.