South Carolina spoiled what the Iowa Hawkeye women were hoping would be a storybook ending. The Gamecocks took control with an 8-0 run late in the third quarter to beat the Hawkeyes 87-75 in the national championship game in Cleveland.

That’s Iowa coach Lisa Bluder. It was Iowa’s second straight trip to the Final Four and their second straight loss in the title game.

Bluder says South Carolina’s depth was a major factor. The Gamecocks got 37 points from the bench.

Bluder hopes they can maintain the momentum in the program going forward.

South Carolina dominated the glass by out rebounding the Hawkeyes 51-29 and also connected on nine-of-17 from three point range to finish a perfect 38-0.

That’s Iowa star Caitlin Clark who finished with 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists to close out her record breaking career.

Clark is expected to be the top pick in the WNBA Draft on April 15th.

The Hawkeyes finish the season with a record of 34-5.

It is the end of the road for a Hawkeye team that captivated the nation over the last two years with record television ratings and sold out crowds.

Iowa won 65 games during the past two seasons. Senior forward Kate Martin.

Martin says this Iowa team has been a big part in the growth of the women’s game over the past couple of years.