When the South Carolina Gamecocks and Iowa Hawkeyes meet on the basketball court, it’s more than just a game—it’s a clash of two powerhouse programs in women’s college basketball. Both teams boast rich histories, elite coaching, and a roster of standout players who have etched their names into the sport’s legacy. Their matchups are marked by fierce competition, contrasting styles, and memorable performances that leave fans in awe.
South Carolina dominates with their imposing paint presence and relentless rebounding, while Iowa counters with sharp perimeter shooting and offensive fluidity. These two teams showcase the diversity of strategies that make women’s basketball so exciting.
This blog dives deep into the statistics behind this growing rivalry, exploring head-to-head metrics, key performance areas, and advanced insights that highlight the unique strengths of each team. Join us as we unravel the numbers behind one of college basketball’s most captivating rivalries.
The Rising Rivalry
The South Carolina Gamecocks and Iowa Hawkeyes have forged a compelling rivalry in women’s college basketball, emerging as two of the most anticipated matchups in the sport. Though their direct encounters are few, each clash carries immense significance, shaping national rankings and influencing championship narratives.
Program Highlights
South Carolina Gamecocks
- Dominance Under Dawn Staley: Under the visionary leadership of Coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have achieved multiple Final Four appearances and national titles, including an undefeated championship season in 2024.
- Defensive Excellence: Known for their relentless defense, South Carolina consistently neutralizes opponents’ offenses with precision and discipline, embodying their trademark resilience.
Iowa Hawkeyes
- Explosive Offense: Powered by standout players like Caitlin Clark, the Hawkeyes boast one of the most potent offenses in women’s basketball, excelling in three-point shooting and rapid scoring.
- Record-Breaking Achievements: Iowa’s high-tempo gameplay has rewritten records, showcasing their relentless pursuit of offensive excellence.
Key Matchups
| Date | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2023 | NCAA Final Four | Iowa 77, South Carolina 73 |
| April 7, 2024 | NCAA Championship Game | South Carolina 87, Iowa 75 |
These marquee games have not only decided championships but also highlighted the evolution of both teams’ strategies and their unyielding spirit.
Evolution of Playing Styles
South Carolina Gamecocks
Integrated Offense: Complementing their defensive dominance, the Gamecocks have embraced a more dynamic offense, utilizing versatile players to create scoring opportunities.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Perimeter-Focused Play: Staying true to their high-octane identity, the Hawkeyes prioritize fast-paced, three-point-heavy basketball to outmaneuver opponents.
This burgeoning rivalry epitomizes the passion and progression of women’s college basketball, with each game adding to the legacy of two elite programs destined to shape the future of the sport.
Statistical Comparison Between South Carolina Gamecocks and Iowa Hawkeyes
The 2024-2025 women’s college basketball season has seen both the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Iowa Hawkeyes deliver remarkable performances. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their team statistics, showcasing their strengths and playing styles.
Season Overview
| Category | South Carolina Gamecocks | Iowa Hawkeyes |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 15 | 12 |
| Points Per Game | 81.0 | 81.0 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 42.5 | 36.8 |
| Assists Per Game | 18.3 | 20.1 |
| Field Goal % | 49.3% | 49.3% |
| Free Throw % | 75.2% | 83.6% |
Note: Statistics are current as of January 14, 2025.
Defensive and Offensive Metrics
South Carolina Gamecocks
- Blocks Per Game: South Carolina leads the league with an average of 6.5 blocks per game, demonstrating their commitment to rim protection.
- Offensive Rebounds: With 15.2 offensive rebounds per game, the Gamecocks excel at creating second-chance scoring opportunities.
Iowa Hawkeyes
- Three-Point Field Goal Percentage: The Hawkeyes’ 38.5% accuracy from beyond the arc highlights their perimeter shooting prowess.
- Assist-to-Turnover Ratio: Iowa’s 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio showcases their exceptional ball movement and offensive efficiency.
Advanced Metrics
| Category | South Carolina | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Rating | 85.2 | 91.4 |
| Offensive Rating | 112.3 | 118.5 |
| Net Rating | +27.1 | +27.1 |
While South Carolina excels defensively with their rebounding and rim protection, Iowa’s strength lies in their efficient offense and perimeter shooting. Despite differences in playing styles, their identical net ratings (+27.1) underline their comparable dominance, making future matchups between these teams highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
Key Players Driving Success for South Carolina & Iowa
The South Carolina Gamecocks and Iowa Hawkeyes feature standout players who have been pivotal in their successes during the 2024-2025 women’s college basketball season. These athletes embody leadership, talent, and resilience, leaving a significant mark on their respective teams.
South Carolina Gamecocks
- Te-Hina Paopao (Graduate Senior Guard): Anchoring the Gamecocks’ backcourt with her leadership and playmaking abilities. Her defensive prowess and stability on the court have been crucial to the team’s overall strategy.
- Chloe Kitts (Forward): A versatile forward making key contributions on both ends. Her standout performance against Texas (11 points) demonstrated her scoring and defensive impact.
- Ashlyn Watkins (Forward): Known for her athleticism and defensive skills, Watkins was significant until a torn ACL sidelined her for the remainder of the season, leaving a void in the roster.
Iowa Hawkeyes
- Lucy Olsen (Senior Guard): A transfer from Villanova, Olsen has taken on a leadership role for the Hawkeyes, stepping up impressively in Caitlin Clark’s absence and fueling Iowa’s strong start.
- Hannah Stuelke (Forward): A dependable scorer and a dominant presence in the paint, key to Iowa’s balanced gameplay on offense and defense.
- Taylor McCabe (Junior Guard): A sharp shooter off the bench, McCabe’s 15-point performance against Indiana exemplified her potential to swing momentum with timely scoring.
Recent Matchup Recap
In the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship, the South Carolina Gamecocks triumphed over the Iowa Hawkeyes with a final score of 87-75, securing their third national title and completing an undefeated season.
| Category | South Carolina | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals Made | 35 | 25 |
| Field Goals Attempted | 73 | 63 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 47.9% | 39.7% |
| 3-Point FG Made | 8 | 9 |
| 3-Point FG Attempted | 19 | 23 |
| 3-Point FG Percentage | 42.1% | 39.1% |
| Free Throws Made | 9 | 16 |
| Free Throws Attempted | 17 | 20 |
| Free Throw Percentage | 52.9% | 80.0% |
| Total Rebounds | 51 | 29 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 18 | 7 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 33 | 22 |
| Assists | 16 | 13 |
| Steals | 8 | 6 |
| Blocks | 8 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 9 |
| Personal Fouls | 17 | 14 |
Individual Highlights
South Carolina: Kamilla Cardoso (15 points, 17 rebounds, Most Outstanding Player), Te-Hina Paopao (22 points)
Iowa: Caitlin Clark (30 points), Kate Martin (14 points)
South Carolina’s dominance in the paint was evident, outrebounding Iowa 51 to 29 and securing 18 offensive boards, leading to multiple second-chance points. Their defensive efforts, highlighted by 8 blocks, effectively limited Iowa’s scoring opportunities.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark delivered a remarkable 30-point performance, setting an NCAA championship record with 18 points in the first quarter. While her efforts kept Iowa in the contest early, South Carolina’s depth ultimately secured the victory.
South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Iowa Hawkeyes: Statistical Insights
The rivalry between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Iowa Hawkeyes in women’s college basketball has been characterized by fierce competition and unforgettable matchups. Below is a detailed comparison of their head-to-head statistics and key performance metrics.
Head-to-Head Metrics
| Category | Gamecocks | Hawkeyes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Wins | 3 | 2 |
| Average Points | 78.6 | 82.3 |
| Average Rebounds | 41.2 | 34.7 |
| Turnover Differential | +2.5 | -1.3 |
Note: These figures reflect the most recent matchups between the two teams.
Performance in Key Areas
Paint Presence (South Carolina): The Gamecocks have consistently asserted dominance in the paint, exemplified by their 51-29 rebounding edge in the 2024 National Championship.
Three-Point Shooting (Iowa): Iowa’s success often hinges on their perimeter prowess, hitting 39.1% from deep (9/23) in that same championship clash.
Free Throw Advantage (Iowa): The Hawkeyes excelled at the line, shooting 80.0% (16/20) during the 2024 title game, underscoring their capacity to maximize scoring opportunities.
The Numbers Behind a Thrilling Rivalry
The South Carolina Gamecocks and Iowa Hawkeyes have cemented themselves as two of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. Their matchups go beyond wins and losses, reflecting a battle of contrasting strengths and styles. South Carolina’s dominance in the paint and relentless rebounding meet Iowa’s precision in perimeter shooting and offensive efficiency, creating contests that consistently captivate fans.
From South Carolina’s tenacious defensive approach to Iowa’s high-octane offense, these matchups deliver highlight moments that define seasons. The statistics underscore how each program has developed a distinct identity—one built on physicality and interior dominance, the other on skilled perimeter play and offensive fluidity.
As the rivalry continues to evolve, the Gamecocks and the Hawkeyes push each other to new heights, setting a standard for excellence in women’s college basketball. With each game, they add another chapter to a compelling story that promises to thrill fans for years to come.
