Hawkeyes Final Four facts: Get to know the South Carolina Gamecocks
The stage is set. In their second-ever NCAA Final Four appearance, the Iowa Hawkeyes are tasked with dethroning reigning champions South Carolina.
That’s right folks, South Carolina. We are now in the big leagues facing the best of the best for a chance at the National Championship. The Gamecocks have dominated this March Madness, blowing out Norfolk State and Southern Florida before defeating tough opponents in UCLA and Maryland.
This is what Dawn Staley’s team has done all season. As the top team in the nation, they’ve dominated the teams that they should put into the dirt while constantly locking in to defeat the tougher opponents. For how tough their road to the Final Four has been, they haven’t faced a team soaring quite like the Hawkeyes yet.
Iowa took that massive loss to Maryland at the end of the season personally. After that 96-68 loss to the Terps, the Hawks have rattled off eight straight victories. They’ve seemingly hit that next level this postseason, set to prove that their second seed doesn’t mean a thing. They’re out to win the whole thing.
If star guard Caitlin Clark has her way, she will cut down the nets when it’s all said and done. The likely Player of the Year exploded in the Hawkeyes’ Elite Eight matchup against Louisville, with the first-ever 40-point triple-double in an NCAA Tournament game.
On the other side is the mighty undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks. Led by Dawn Staley and reigning Player of the Year Aliyah Boston, they aren’t keen on giving up their crown just yet. They want a repeat.
Ahead of possibly the biggest matchup in NCAA women’s basketball history, here is a look at South Carolina.
First Things First: Their Record
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Over the past two years, South Carolina Women’s Basketball has set the standard for dominance in the women’s game. As the entire NCAA landscape becomes more and more talented, the Gamecocks have solidified themselves as the top player in the game. They are currently 36-0.
Over the past two years, South Carolina has only lost twice. Their last loss was on March 6th, 2022 in the SEC Championship against Kentucky where they lost by two. The other loss at Missouri earlier in the year was only decided by a single point within overtime.
This year South Carolina is undefeated, looking even more dominant. They’ve only been tested a few times, and have notable wins over numerous top 25 schools.
An Impressive 2022-23 Resume
Syndication: The Greenville NewsWhen I say they have an impressive resume, that’s a grievous understatement. In the regular season, South Carolina defeated five teams within the top-25, three of which were in the top five. They dispatched both UCLA and Maryland twice while whipping fellow Final Four member LSU 88-64 back in February.
They aren’t 36-0 because of a cupcake schedule. Dawn Staley’s squad is immensely battled tested.
A Hall of Famer at the Helm
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Speaking of Dawn Staley, few coaches at the collegiate level demand the level of respect and reverence from both their peers and fans alike as Staley. It is honestly easier to list what she hasn’t accomplished, especially dating back to her playing days. We’re talking about a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and a multi-time Naismith Award-winning player. There is a reason she is in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Staley has replicated that success as a coach as well. She is the second person to ever play for and coach a number-one-ranked team in their career. She is the first-ever individual to win the Naismith Award as both a player and a coach. Oh yeah, she also has an Olympic Gold medal as a coach.
Staley is the epitome of excellence in basketball.
It's Not Just Aliyah Boston
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, when you think of South Carolina basketball, the attention on the court will go to star forward Aliyah Boston. Boston isn’t the only reason this squad is undefeated, not by a long shot. The Gamecocks are a complete team who are comfortable trotting out 10+ players who can all play a high level of basketball.
They don’t rely as much on three-point shooting as other teams in the nation, opting simply to dominate the interior. They hound you on the glass, containing you to one attempt while living off of second-chance points of their own.
If there is one other star to single out on this team, it would be Zia Cooke. The senior guard currently leads South Carolina in points with 15.1 per game. She is South Carolina’s main threat from deep, alongside fourth-year guard Brea Beal who is shooting 39.6% from deep.
Aliyah Boston is Still a Special Special Player
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
While South Carolina is very much a dominant team, Aliyah Boston is still spectacular. While the stats may not show it as much, and Iowa fans have kind of diminished what she can do because of the season Caitlin Clark is having, Boston’s impact is felt quickly on the court.
Last year’s Player of the Year is a double-double machine who is one of the best overall defenders at any level.
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