Why South Carolina will beat Iowa and win third women's national championship

CLEVELAND — By now you know all about when Caitlin Clark waved off Raven Johnson last year during the national semifinal, implying to Johnson — as well as everyone watching — that she didn’t view Johnson as enough of a shooting threat to guard her. 

Johnson was so haunted by that moment, she considered quitting basketball. But she’s lived in the gym since then, becoming a sharpshooter and go-to option in the clutch. She dubbed this season “the revenge tour,” and the last stop is Sunday. You really think she’s letting the Gamecocks lose again? Absolutely not. I’ll take South Carolina as my 2024 national championship pick. And don’t be surprised if South Carolina wins by 15+ — the Gamecocks are that good, that deep and that motivated. 

She’s far from the only shooter, though. Transfer Te-Hina Paopao is one of the best 3-point shooters in the country (46.2% from deep). Paopao, Johnson and Bree Hall are a lethal perimeter combo. It’s almost unfair USC gets to bring someone like Milaysia Fulwiley off the bench, who can get to the rim in the blink of an eye, and against anyone on the floor. 

And that’s only on the first offensive possession. The Gamecocks rebound considerably better than Iowa, with guards crashing the glass hard, providing extra opportunities for South Carolina. That’s usually the separator when it comes to USC games, and it’ll be a difference maker Sunday, too. Trying to block out South Carolina for 40 minutes is both physically and mentally taxing. Do you really think anyone on Iowa’s roster will be able to contend with Ashlyn Watkins’ athleticism and stop her from flying through the air and grabbing 10 or so offensive rebounds? Good luck to them, whoever they are. 

And then there’s KamillaCardoso, a mobile 6-foot-7 center who’s improved not just since last season but since last November. She was unstoppable Friday as South Carolina routed NC State in the semifinals, and I expect (a lot) more of the same Sunday. And even if Iowa sends three defenders at Cardoso, she’s got plenty of shooters on the outside that she can kick to. 

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Just ask Johnson.

Email Lindsay Schnell at lschnell@usatoday.com and follow her on social media @Lindsay_Schnell