It just seems like ESPN and the NCAA wanted the South Carolina-Iowa matchup. The broadcasters were already hyping the matchup with 5 minutes left in the game and Maryland down 11. VT vs. LSU will be interesting, but everyone is going to tune into SC-Iowa. I'm sure ESPN wanted UCONN in the Final 4, too, just for ratings.
The problem for Iowa is that they need to keep South Carolina off the offensive glass to win. All the spacing and the shooting in the world will not box out your opponents. Their team is not built to keep South Carolina off the boards (or anybody else tbqh). Caitlin Clark is their most prolific rebounder (!). PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVE ME WRONG, IOWA.
Iowa could potentially trade 2s for 3s โ easier said than done, of course. they just need enough defensive rebounding beyond that.
the unstoppable force of Iowaโs offense vs. the immovable object of SoCarโs defense โ who wins out? Gamecocks could be wise to just face-guard Clark constantly and double her every time she gets it in specific areas on the floor. you slow down a teamโs PG enough and that can often be the difference-maker. i hope Bluder has some tricks up her sleeve to combat that โ time to use up every last secret weapon for a game like this!