The Iowa women are decided underdogs as they get ready to take on mighty South Carolina Friday night at the Final Four in Dallas.
The Hawkeyes are 30-6 and making their first appearance in the national semifinals since 1993 while the top ranked and defending champion Gamecocks are 36-0. Iowa coach Lisa Bluder.
National player of the year Caitlin Clark is averaging better than 30 points per game in the NCAA Tournament but Bluder says balance will be a key.
The game features the last two players of the year in Clark and South Carolina center Aliya Boston.
Bluder hopes a banner year for the Big Ten has prepared them for this challenge.
Clark was asked about ticket prices being higher on the secondary market in Dallas than for the men’s Final Four in Houston.
Clark says the Hawkeyes know they face a big challenge.
It will be an Iowa offense that averages more than 87 points per game against a South Carolina defense that gives up just over 51 points per contest.
Iowa center Monika Czinano will need to be effective against a talented and deep South Carolina front line.
South Carolina center Aliyah Boston says it is a game many wanted to see happen.
It comes at a time when interest in the women’s game and television ratings are soaring
South Carolina will try to slow down the inside-outside combination of Czinano and Clark
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley says the Gamecocks are not focused on the hype surrounding the game.
South Carolina is known for defense and Staley says it will take a team effort to slow down Clark.
The first semifinal pits LSU against Virginia Tech. The winners meet Sunday for the national championship.
