The women’s 2024 NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament Championship Game is set between South Carolina and Iowa, with South Carolina being the favorite to win the title. This matchup is a rematch of the 2023 Final Four, where Iowa defeated South Carolina, 77-73, after a significant performance by Caitlin Clark, who scored 41 points and eight assists.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
- South Carolina:
- Strengths: South Carolina has a strong offensive game, averaging a 29.6-point margin of victory, which is significantly larger than the nation’s next-closest team. They shoot well from the field (49.2%) and the 3-point range (39.4%) and can rebound effectively (46.2 per game).
- Weaknesses: Their main weakness lies in their free-throw shooting, with a percentage of 69.1% and infrequent attempts (13.1 attempts per game). This could be a disadvantage against Iowa, which is known for its proficiency in taking and making free throws.
- Iowa:
- Strengths: Iowa has shown resilience and toughness throughout the postseason, overcoming challenges with big second-half performances and clutch playmaking. Their defensive strategy, particularly against South Carolina’s pick-and-rolls, was a key factor in their victory last year.
- Weaknesses:Â Iowa’s defensive performance has been less impressive, ranking 105th overall according to Massey Ratings. They have allowed at least 60 points to four of their five tournament opponents.
For the 2024 Women’s March Madness Championship game between Iowa and South Carolina, the key players are as follows:
- Iowa:
- Caitlin Clark: Clark is a superstar player for Iowa, having emerged as a generational talent. She has been instrumental in powering the Hawkeyes to victories, including a 71-69 victory over the University of Connecticut in the Final Four. Clark’s performance has been highlighted for her scoring prowess, making her the highest-scoring NCAA basketball player in the association’s history, male or female 12.
- South Carolina:
- Kamilla Cardoso: Cardoso is a standout player for South Carolina, known for her exceptional performance in the championship game. She has been a key contributor to the Gamecocks’ undefeated season, showcasing her skills in scoring and rebounding. Cardoso’s performance in the Final Four win over North Carolina State, where she scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 23 minutes, underscores her importance to the team.
- Ashlyn Watkins: Watkins has been a significant contributor to South Carolina’s success, particularly noted for her defensive prowess and rebounding skills. Her performance in the Final Four win over NC State, where she scored 8 points, grabbed 20 rebounds, and recorded a pair of big blocks, highlights her impact on the team’s defensive and offensive strategies.
- Raven Johnson: Johnson has been a key player for South Carolina, contributing with her scoring and assists. Her performance in the Final Four win over NC State, where she scored 13 points and provided five assists, demonstrates her versatility and importance to the team’s success.
- Te-Hina Paopao: Paopao has also been a notable contributor for South Carolina, with her scoring and assists being crucial in the team’s victories. Her performance in the Final Four win over NC State, where she scored 10 points and provided six assists, showcases her role in the team’s offensive strategy.
These players represent the core of each team’s strengths, with Clark for Iowa and Cardoso, Watkins, Johnson, and Paopao for South Carolina, each bringing unique skills and contributions to their teams.
Given South Carolina’s overall superior performance and metrics, they are the clear favorite to win the championship. However, the unpredictability of basketball, especially in the postseason, means that Iowa’s resilience and strategic adjustments could play a significant role in the outcome of the game.
- South Carolina’s Defense: South Carolina has shown dominance on the boards, out-rebounding opponents by a significant margin, which is a strong indicator of their defensive strength. Their ability to control the pace and turn the tide in close contests suggests a formidable defensive strategy. Their proficiency from beyond the arc, while not directly related to defense, indicates a balanced approach that could potentially disrupt opponents’ offenses.
- Iowa’s Offense: Iowa’s offense has proven resilient against formidable opponents like LSU and UConn, and their performance in the championship game will depend on the contributions of key players like Caitlin Clark, who has shown exceptional performance in previous games. The absence of Monika Czinano, who contributed significantly in previous games, presents a challenge, but players like Hannah Stuelke, Kate Martin, and Sydney Affolter are expected to step up.
Given these points, it’s difficult to definitively say which is stronger without specific comparative statistics. However, South Carolina’s defensive strength, particularly in rebounding and controlling the pace, and Iowa’s resilience and key player contributions suggest that both teams have their strengths. The outcome of the game may hinge on how well each team can leverage its strengths against the other’s weaknesses.
The 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship game will be a rematch between No. 1 seed South Carolina and No. 1 seed Iowa.
South Carolina is the favorite to win the title. The Gamecocks are 37-0 on the season and have been dominant throughout the tournament. Their biggest strength is their defense, led by 6-foot-7 center Kamilla Cardoso. South Carolina holds opponents to an effective field goal percentage of just 36.4%, the best mark in the country.
They also excel at rebounding, averaging 46.2 rebounds per game.
However, South Carolina’s weakness is their free throw shooting, as they shoot just 69.1% from the line.
They also don’t get to the free throw line very often, averaging only 13.1 attempts per game.
The key players to watch for South Carolina are Cardoso, who averages 14.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game,
as well as guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, who comes off the bench but averages 11.9 points per game.
Iowa is the underdog, but has a chance to pull off the upset. The Hawkeyes are led by star guard Caitlin Clark, who is averaging 21 points, 7.6 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game this tournament. Iowa’s strength is its high-powered offense, ranking #1 in the country in offensive rating and effective field goal percentage.
However, Iowa’s weakness is on the defensive end, where they rank 22nd in defensive rating. They will need to find a way to slow down South Carolina’s dominant interior presence.
Beyond Clark, Iowa will need strong contributions from players like forward Hannah Stuelke, who had 23 points against UConn in the Final Four, as well as guards Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall, who both shoot over 35% from 3-point range.
In the end, South Carolina’s defensive prowess and depth give them the edge, and they are predicted to defeat Iowa 89-85 to win the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship.
Favorite:
South Carolina comes in as the favorite, boasting an undefeated record and the nation’s top scoring defense.
South Carolina’s Strengths:
Defense: They have a suffocating defense led by Aliyah Boston, a potential National Player of the Year candidate.
Experience: Coach Dawn Staley has a championship pedigree and the team features several upperclassmen.
Balanced Scoring: They have multiple offensive threats, making it difficult to focus on shutting down one player.
South Carolina’s Weaknesses:
Post Reliance: They rely heavily on their inside game, which could be challenged by a team with a strong frontline.
Tournament Pressure: Staying undefeated throughout the tournament can be mentally taxing.
Iowa’s Strengths:
Balanced Offense: They have a well-rounded attack with multiple players who can score in bunches.
Guard Play: Caitlin Clark is a star point guard who can create for herself and others.
Momentum: They’ve been on a tear throughout the tournament, knocking off several higher-seeded teams.
Iowa’s Weaknesses:
Defense: They don’t quite match South Carolina’s defensive intensity.
Experience: They lack the championship experience of South Carolina.
Key Players to Watch:
South Carolina: Aliyah Boston (forward), Zia Cooke (guard), Brea Beal (guard)
Iowa: Caitlin Clark (guard), Monika Czinano (center), McKenna Warnock (forward)
This matchup promises to be an exciting clash of styles. South Carolina will try to control the pace with their defense, while Iowa will look to push the tempo and get their offense going. Here are some additional factors to consider:
Coaching: Dawn Staley has a championship win under her belt, while Iowa’s Coach Lisa Bluder is known for her upset potential.
Home Court Advantage: The game is being played at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, a neutral site.
It’s truly too close to call! Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and the outcome could hinge on which team executes their game plan better and handles the pressure of the national championship stage.
South Carolina:
Strengths:
Strong defense: South Carolina has historically been known for its tough defense, often leading to turnovers and fast-break opportunities.
Depth: The team typically boasts a deep roster with talent spread across multiple positions.
Coaching: Under coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina has developed a winning culture and a reputation for making deep tournament runs.
Weaknesses:
Perimeter shooting: In some seasons, South Carolina has struggled with outside shooting, relying more on scoring in the paint.
Foul trouble: Aggressive defense can sometimes lead to foul trouble for key players.
Key Players to Watch:
A’ja Wilson (if she’s still playing): A dominant force in the post, Wilson has been a key player for South Carolina in past seasons.
Aliyah Boston: A versatile forward known for her shot-blocking and rebounding abilities.
Iowa:
Strengths:
High-powered offense: Iowa has often been known for its potent scoring, with a focus on perimeter shooting and efficient offense.
Star power: The team has historically featured standout players who can take over games.
Coaching: Iowa has been led by skilled coaches who emphasize offensive execution.
Weaknesses:
Defense: While capable of scoring in bunches, Iowa has sometimes struggled defensively, particularly in slowing down elite opponents.
Rebounding: In some seasons, Iowa has faced challenges in controlling the boards against taller or more physical teams.
Key Players to Watch:
Caitlin Clark: A dynamic guard with exceptional scoring ability and playmaking skills.
Monika Czinano: A skilled post player known for her scoring efficiency and rebounding prowess.