The time is here. The rematch is set. Iowa vs South Carolina. This time for all the marbles, who will come out victorious this time. Here is what you need to know for today’s NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship.

#1 South Carolina vs #1 Iowa:

Last season when these two teams played in the Final Four the world was put on notice of just how great Caitlin Clark really is. 41 points vs the powerhouse that is in South Carolina was remarkable and she did it at all three levels. That Gamecocks team had the #1 overall pick in Aliyah Boston, Brea Beal, and Zia Cooke who led this program to three straight Final Four appearances and a National Championship in 2022. Those three aren’t here anymore, but this South Carolina team, who has only lost three games in the last three seasons remains undefeated this season and looks to get revenge in last year’s Final Four loss. Kamilla Cardoso and particularly Raven Johnson who had one of the more embarrassing moments while Cailtin Clark waved her off guarding her at the three-point line, are the leaders of this team and as great of a Point Guard and Center combination in the nation. At 6’7 Cardoso is a handful out there and Iowa has a tough task in keeping her in check. This Gamecocks team felt like they could’ve won the championship last season and is out for blood in this rematch. Caitlin Clark needs to be special again for Iowa. She not only needs to get herself going, but her teammates as well. Players like Hannah Stuelke who had 23 Points vs UConn and Kate Martin who had 11 huge points in the Final Four, will be needed heavily in this matchup to give themselves a chance vs a dominant team like South Carolina.

Iowa X-factor: Hannah Stuelke

Monika Czinano had 18 big points for them last season in their final four matchup, Hannah Stuelke needs to give that same type of output vs South Carolina in the Championship. I talked about her having 23 points vs UConn, in that game she showed great footwork and amazing touch around the basket she also played great defense to help lead Iowa past UConn. If she gets going like she has in this tournament she gives Iowa a great chance to hoist the trophy.

South Carolina X-factor: Milaysia Fulwiley

I know Ashlyn Watkins had 20 rebounds vs NC State in the Final Four, the most coming off the bench in NCAA history, but in this matchup, I believe the sensational freshman and McDonald’s All-American will have a huge impact off the bench. Milaysia Fulwiley is the next in line of great players to come not only through this program, but in the Women’s college game. She has it all. Amazing athleticism, a three-level scorer, great floor vision, great handles, and a tough hard-nosed defender. I expect her to give Iowa fits on the perimeter in this one when she comes in.

Prediction: South Carolina over Iowa

As great as Caitlin Clark is, this Iowa team just does not have the depth to keep up with this South Carolina team. South Carolina has the advantage in the post, they have the advantage with multiple playmakers, they have the advantage in perimeter defense, and if their shots fall from the outside, they are virtually unstoppable. Dawn Staley will press Caitlin Clark as soon as she gets the ball with multiple defenders like Raven Johnson, Tessa Johnson, Milaysia Fulwiley, and Bree Hall making it very difficult for her to play an efficient game from the outside. South Carolina is the deepest team in the women’s game and it’s not even close. Gamecocks by double digits.