PHILADELPHIA — Paul Heyman. Bull Nakano. Thunderbolt Patterson. The U.S. Express. Lia Maivia. Muhammad Ali.

All were immortalized into wrestling history as they were inducted into the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame class on Friday, one of the most honorable achievements in the business. It’s already been an emotional night filled with laughs, tears and quite the amount of expletives. But there’s still several stars set to take their place among the greats of wrestling. The Hall of Fame ceremony is the perfect way to get WrestleMania weekend going.

Here are the highlights from the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony:

Paul Heyman gets emotional, drops an F-bomb

It’s rare to see the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns show his softer side, but the ‘Tribal Chief’ opened up about his perspective on Paul Heyman. Reigns shared a story of when Heyman told him that he didn’t need him to succeed, he just needed to believe he could do it. Still, Reigns had to acknowledge what he did for his rise to the top.

‘The Tribal Chief doesn’t happen if I’m not with The Wiseman,’ Reigns said.

Heyman came out to his old-school ECW theme and the crowd erupted in an ECW chant, while he hugged some of the former ECW stars who helped him make the promotion a success decades ago. Heyman soaked it all in, getting teary eyed before he even said a word. The crowd chanted ‘you deserve it,’ then he dropped one of the best F-bombs in WWE history.

‘You’re damn right I (expletive) deserve it,’ he said.

Heyman gave credit to WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque for leading the company, but also took a dig at him by telling his wife, Stephanie McMahon, she ‘married the wrong Paul.’

Even though Heyman is in the middle of a feud with Cody Rhodes, as he thought about the people that he wished to be here, he turned to Rhodes and said, ‘I so wish your father was here tonight.’ Both had tears in their eyes.

Paul Heyman rocks old ECW gear

After getting through the ‘mushy’ stuff, Heyman then said it was time to acknowledge ECW, and it was then when he whipped out his coat, headset and hat that was his signature look when he ran the promotion.

Heyman then went on a profanity-filled promo that was filled with giving himself his flowers, and he finished by saying he will continue to disrupt the industry and he’s not going anywhere.

Bull Nakano rocks signature face paint

The polarizing Japanese star Bull Nakano came out to receive her honor in her signature blue face paint, and said it was a moment that she had hoped would happen one day.

“I have waited a long time,’ she said.

The Undertaker inducts Muhammad Ali; wife Lonnie Ali gifts The Rock a title

Only one of the greatest in wrestling could induct one of the greatest in boxing.

The Undertaker made his electric entrance to induct Muhammad Ali and welcome Ali’s wife, Lonnie, to accept the award.

Ali told the story of how The Rock had asked her husband if he could use ‘The People’s Champ’ nickname. She said the great boxer was thrilled and wanted him to use it. To pay it back, Ali presented The Rock with an actual championship belt.

Rotunda family honors late brother Bray Wyatt

With Mike Rotunda and Barry Windham inducted into the Hall of Fame, the Rotunda children, Mika and Taylor, better known as Bo Dallas, honored the tag team.

But Mika and Taylor made sure to recognize their brother Windham, known as Bray Wyatt, who died in August. As they spoke about feeling their brother’s presence, the crowd lit up the arena with the fireflies that were always associated with Wyatt.

The U.S. Express also paid tribute to their fallen family member, lighting up the fireflies at the end of their speech as Wyatt’s entrance music played throughout the arena.

Thunderbolt Patterson gets long deserved recognition 

Thunderbolt Patterson received a warm welcome from the WWE Universe, earning his rightful place in wrestling history. 

A pioneer in creating promos, his impact on professional wrestling is still felt today, evidenced by The New Day, which inducted him 31 years after his last television appearance. On Friday it felt like he never had left the ring. Patterson, who dealt with racism throughout the prime of his career, conducted an emphatic prayer with the crowd.

The Rock honors his grandmother

Lia Maivia took her place in the WWE Hall of Fame, posthumously inducted by her grandson, The Rock.

There was a quick stare down between The Rock and Rhodes, but The Rock turned the attention back to his family, and promised to take care of business at WrestleMania in their honor.

‘I love you grandma, thank you so much,’ The Rock said to close out the show.

CLEVELAND – Caitlin Clark’s career at Iowa is going to end in the national championship game. 

Clark and the Hawkeyes advanced to the title game for a second consecutive season, beating UConn 71-69 in the Final Four on Friday night. They’ll play South Carolina, who defeated NC State earlier in the night. 

Clark and Iowa lost to LSU in the national championship game last year, and college basketball’s all-time leading scorer has talked often this season of the job not being done and wanting more. Well, now she’s going to get the chance to end her illustrious career in perfect fashion. 

Clark has already said she’s foregoing her fifth COVID year and is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft. She doesn’t need a title to cement her legacy, but it sure would be a perfect sendoff. 

Iowa’s win ends a remarkable run by UConn, which reached the Final Four despite having just eight available players after a rash of injuries. 

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.

STREAM: March Madness on ESPN+ and Fubo 

Reactions to offensive foul call on Aaliyah Edwards in final seconds

When Aaliyah Edwards was called for an offensive foul in the final seconds of the game, UConn coach Geno Auriemma looked as if he’d been punched in the gut.

“I hated the call. You’ve got to give Gabbie Marshall credit for trying to fight over the screen. That’s what drew the refs’ attention in,’ Carter said on the postgame show.

“But to me, now that final play, it’s not about Iowa’s defense. It’s about the call the referee made. There was a slight lean, maybe Aaliyah Edwards’ elbow was slightly out. But to be honest, the calls were even for both sides. There were missed calls for Iowa. There was missed contact for UConn. To make that call at the very end of the game – to me, it took away the opportunity for players to make plays. … To be honest, that call sucked.”

Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said she didn’t see the offensive foul. ‘Caitlin Clark really didn’t have freedom of movement. But you know at this point, they’re not going to call a lot. Especially after last year, when Caitlin and Angel were on the bench. I just think you’re not going to see a lot of calls.’ 

Later, Edwards said she thought the play was ‘clean.’ Teammate Paige Bueckers then weighed in: ‘Everybody can make a big deal out of one single play, but one single play doesn’t win or lose a basketball game. … You can look at one play and say, oh that killed us or that hurt us. We should have done a better job, I should have done a better job making sure I didn’t leave the game up to that.’

Opinion: Hannah Stuelke, not Caitlin Clark, lifts Iowa to title game

CLEVELAND — Caitlin Clark tried to tell you. All year, she told you exactly what to watch for with Iowa.

No, not her.

Hannah Stuelke.

Clark suggested earlier this year that the soft-spoken sophomore might break all her records one day and, after a night like this, it’s easy to believe it. Clark and Iowa are in the national championship game for a second consecutive year, and it’s Stuelke who got them there.

Caitlin Clark after win: ‘Takes all five of us’

Clark, who had 21 points but was held in check for much of the night, praised her teammates after Iowa’s 71-69 victory over UConn in a semifinal game at the Final Four.

“Our offense wasn’t great tonight but we played great defense,’’ Clark told ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “And sometimes that’s what you need to win, so I’m just proud of our girls to find a way to win.’’

Clark, asked how she avoided getting frustrated while being shadowed by UConn’s Nika Muhl, replied, “I thought my teammates stepped up and did a really good job. Made some big baskets when we needed it, so I couldn’t be more proud of them. It takes all five of us.’

Iowa survives UConn, 71-69

Caitlin Clark and Iowa outlasted UConn 71-69 Friday in a semifinal matchup at the Final Four, advancing to the national championship. The Hawkeyes will play undefeated South Carolina (37-0) for the national championship Sunday at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

Despite a slow start, Clark finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Hannah Stuelke led Iowa in scoring with 23 points.

UConn had a chance to take the lead in the final seconds, but the Huskies’ Aaliyah Edwards was called for an offensive foul in the frontcourt. Edwards and Paige Bueckers had 17 points apiece for UConn.

Clark had only six points in the first half after shooting 3-for-11 from the floor and missing all six of her 3-point attempts. It was the first time Clark failed to make a 3-pointer in an NCAA Tournament game during her four-year career, according to the ESPN telecast.

Clark was stymied by UConn’s Nika Muhl, a two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year. But Clark bounced back in the second half.

Yes, down to the wire

UConn’s Nika Muhl drained a 3-pointer with just under 40 seconds left to play, cutting Iowa’s lead to 70-69. Hold on tight.

Down to the wire?

Back claws UConn, with the Huskies pulling within 68-64 with 2:38 left to play. UConn coach Geno Auriemma promptly called a timeout. Nail-biting time commences.

Hawkeyes surging in fourth quarter

Iowa opened the fourth quarter with a 15-6 surge. The Hawkeyes took a 66-57 lead on Gabbie Marshall’s jumper with 5:42 left to play.

Caitlin Clark starts cooking, Iowa leads

Caitlin Clark now has 20 points, and Iowa leads UConn 60-57 with 7½ minutes left in the game.

After going 0-for-6 from 3-point range in the first half, Clark is 3-for-5 from long range in the second half. She also has eight rebounds and six assists.

Third quarter: Iowa 51, UConn 51

Yes, Caitlin Clark finally hit a 3-pointer. Two of them, in fact. The bigger deal: The Hawkeyes looked far better than in the first half. A lot of that has to do with Clark, who has a relatively modest 13 points on 5-for-14 shooting but also has seven rebounds and six assists.

Iowa had almost as many points in the third quarter (25) as they did in the entire first half (26),

Paige Bueckers is also heating up for UConn and now leads the Huskies with 14 points. Freshman KK Arnold has 12 points but she’s saddled with four fouls.

UConn’s Nika Muhl hurts knee

Short-handed UConn can’t afford to lose anyone. And this one would be big.

Nika Muhl went back to the locker room after hurting her knee with about 3 minutes left in the third quarter. She and Edwards got tangled up with an Iowa player under the Hawkeyes’ basket, and Muhl appeared to bang her knee on the floor. She grimaced as she sat on the floor and play continued before getting up and limping to the other end of the floor. She was subbed out — despite KK Arnold picking up her fourth foul — and ran back to the locker room. She returned after about 2 minutes but is clearly hobbled. 

Four-point play for Caitlin Clark

Now that’s the Caitlin Clark we know. She converted a four-point play after getting fouled while making a 3-pointer and making the bonus free throw. That pulled Iowa to within one point of UConn at 44-43 with 3:49 left in the third quarter. 

Iowa hanging tough vs. UConn in third quarter

Despite Clark’s shooting struggles, Iowa’s very much in this game. The Hawkeyes trailed throughout the first half but tied the game earlier in the third quarter before UConn edged ahead again.

UConn leads 41-39 with about five minutes left in the quarter.

A key: the Hawkeyes have taken far better control of the basketball in the second half. 

Caitlin Clark finally hits from three

The drought is over. Clark made her first 3-pointer of the game with 8:09 left in the third quarter after six consecutive misses from 3-point range. The basket cut UConn’s lead to 36-34.

Halftime: UConn 32, Iowa 26

Caitlin Clark has only six points at the half after shooting 3-for-11 from the floor and missing all six of her 3-point attempts. It’s the first time Clark has failed to make a 3-pointer in an NCAA Tournament game during her four-year career, according to the ESPN telecast.

Clark has been stymied by UConn’s Nika Muhl, a two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year. While Clark struggled to find open shots, she did have six rebounds and four assists.

But Clark also has three turnovers and collectively, Iowa has 12 against UConn’s tough defense.

Freshman KK Arnold leads UConn with 10 points, and Paige Bueckers has six points on 3-of-9 shooting.

Three UConn players already have two fouls apiece

UConn is losing the numbers game.

The Huskies only have eight players after a rash of injuries this season. And with more than three minutes left in the first half, Nika Muhl, Aaliyah Edwards and KK Arnold all have two fouls. 

Caitlin Clark struggling as Iowa trails

UConn has opened up a 25-16 lead with just under seven minutes left in the second quarter while Iowa’s Caitlin Clark continues to struggle. She is 1-for-6 shooting and has missed all four of her 3-point attempts.

Clark does have three assists, but she’s also committed three turnovers. As a team, the Hawkeyes already have committed 10 turnovers.

UConn leads at start of second quarter

Caitlin Clark is off to a slow start, shooting 1-for-5 from the floor. She missed all three of her 3-point attempts and has struggled to find open shots while being defended by UConn’s Nika Muhl. Her only points came on a layup.

Not only has Muhl contained Clark, but she’s also made 3-pointers while sparking the Huskies, who led by as many as eight points in the quarter.

UConn leads as Caitlin Clark off to mortal start

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark is off to a mortal start as the Hawkeyes have fallen behind UConn 16-11 with about two minutes left in the first quarter. Clark is 1-for-4 shooting and has missed both of her 3-point attempts.

KK Arnold has six points for the Huskies, who pulled ahead with an 8-0 run.

Brent Clark, Caitlin’s dad, sneaks his own snacks into arena

Brent Clark is such a dad.

He was spotted by TV cameras before Friday’s game, munching on snacks that were hidden in the front pocket of his jacket. No word on what those snacks were.

Special Caitlin Clark gear created by Kristin Juszczyk

Clothing designer Kristin Juszczyk, who has made a name for herself designing one-of-a-kind sports jackets and coats, of course completed a Caitlin Clark coat for the Final Four.

Kristin modeled the coat and posed with her husband, San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, in an Instagram post Friday to show off a couple of her Clark designs.

What makes Caitlin Clark so good? 

We asked some hoops legends for their thoughts on the generational talent. Steph Curry, Maya Moore, Kelsey Mitchell and others broke down her game, explaining what makes her so good.

Caitlin Clark and the 2024 Paris Olympics 

Could Clark make the 2024 Olympic roster for the Paris Games? It’s complicated.  

Caitlin Clark: Complete guide to Iowa superstar’s career

Caitlin Clark is the reigning national player of the year, a sharpshooting supernova with a penchant for launching 3-pointers from the logo, flicking no-look passes through defenders’ arms and talking trash to any and all who stand in her way.  

The postseason for Clark and Iowa starts next week, with the Hawkeyes playing in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten conference tournament. No matter what happens in the next few days, Iowa is expected to earn a top four seed in the NCAA tournament, and host the first two rounds. A year after leading Iowa to the national championship game, Clark is trying to get back to her second consecutive Final Four, an accomplishment few players have achieved. USA TODAY Sports has been tracking her game closely. In case you need to brush up on your Clark trivia, we’ve got you covered with our complete guide to all things Clark. 

Paige Bueckers’ stats 

Paige Bueckers’ tournament stats this time around are nothing short of sensational: Through four games she’s averaging 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.3 steals and shooting 51.5% from the field. — Lindsay Schnell 

Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers history 

The two first faced off during the 2021 season. Clark was a freshman just starting to turn heads, and Bueckers was already the best player in the country after coming in as the most highly touted freshman. The first matchup went something like this: 21 points, three rebounds, five assists and five turnovers for Clark vs. 18 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two turnovers for Bueckers. UConn won 92-72. 

But that was three years ago, before Clark became Clark (aka the all-time leading scorer in college hoops, men or women) and Bueckers suffered through two season-ending injuries. She went a staggering 720 days between NCAA Tournament games. — Lindsay Schnell 

How many national championships has Iowa won? 

The Hawkeyes have yet to win a national championship in women’s college basketball, so they have zero titles. — Victoria Hernandez 

How many national championships has Iowa been to? 

Iowa has been to one national championship game. With Caitlin Clark dominating the entire season, they faced LSU in last year’s title game and lost, 102-85. If the Hawkeyes defeat No. 3 UConn in this year’s Final Four, they will make a second consecutive national championship game appearance. — Victoria Hernandez 

How many times has Iowa been to the Final Four? 

This is the third time the Iowa Hawkeyes will be in the Final Four. They are returning to the national semifinal where they beat South Carolina, 77-73, last year to advance to the championship game. They then lost the title game to LSU. The Hawkeyes’ first Final Four appearance was in 1993 when C. Vivian Stringer was the coach. The Hawkeyes lost to Ohio State, 73-72, in overtime in the national semifinal. Stringer was the first coach in college basketball history to take three different schools to the Final Four when she did so with Cheyney State in 1982, Iowa in 1993, and Rutgers in 2000 and 2007. — Victoria Hernandez 

Are you ready for Paige vs. Caitlin, Round 2? 

You better be. Because Friday at the Women’s Final Four, we’re getting that rematch. Her full name, of course, is Paige Bueckers. But like Caitlin Clark, she is so good, so famous and so transcendent beyond basketball that she goes by only one name.  

If only we all had that kind of star power. Read Lindsay Schnell’s full story. 

When does Caitlin Clark play next? 

What time is the Iowa vs. UConn game?

The top-seeded Hawkeyes tip off against the No. 3 Huskies at 9:30 p.m. 

Iowa vs. UConn prediction

USA TODAY Sports’ Lindsay Schnell is picking Paige Bueckers and the UConn to win while Nancy Armour is picking Caitlin Clark and Iowa to win.

How to watch Iowa vs. UConn 

ESPN is airing and streaming Iowa vs. UConn. 

How many national championships has UConn been to? 

Connecticut has been to the national championship 12 times. The Huskies have won the title all but once, in 2022 when they lost to South Carolina, 64-49. 

There is a possibility of a rematch of that game this year if the Huskies and Gamecocks each win their Final Four semifinal. — Victoria Hernandez 

How many national championships has UConn won? 

The Huskies have won 11 national championships, tied with the UCLA men’s team for the most of any program in Division I college basketball, and all under head coach Geno Auriemma. Connecticut won the title in 1995, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Six of those seasons (1995, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2014 and 2016) were undefeated. — Victoria Hernandez 

How many times has UConn been to the Final Four? 

Their streak of 14 consecutive Final Four appearances from 2008 to 2022 was broken when Ohio State beat UConn, 73-61, in the Sweet 16 last season. — Victoria Hernandez 

Getting tipsy before tip-off?

Is it too early for adult beverages? Apparently not when you’re hosting an alternate ESPN telecast during the women’s Final Four.

Hey, Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, what’s in those red Solo cups? 

UConn coach Geno Auriemma, who was asked after their first show in 2022 if he would watch it later, drew laughter when he said: ‘I didn’t record it, and the chances of me watching it are less than zero. When you’ve been around those two as long as I have, I really truly have no interest in hearing anything they have to say. On any topic, especially me. But I’m sure they were funny as hell, and I’m sure whatever I see they were drinking didn’t come from the store.’

Former UConn stars Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird give viewers their take

Wondering what Sue Bird thinks? Curious about Diana Taurasi’s thoughts? Well, you’re in luck.

Super Bowl champion Chiefs rooting for Caitlin Clark

Care to wager on who the defending Super Bowl champions are rooting for in Friday night’s Final Four nightcap?

The Kansas City Chiefs shared a photo of Iowa star Caitlin Clark wearing a Chiefs jersey as a young girl.

‘You cheered for us. Now it’s our turn!

All of Chiefs Kingdom is rooting for you tonight, @CaitlinClark22′

Opinion: Caitlin Clark got people’s attention. There’s talent to make them stay 

These are heady times for women’s basketball and, by extension, women’s sports. 

Caitlin Clark is a household name. Iowa and LSU’s rematch of last year’s title game drew more than 12 million viewers, such a bonkers number it beat all but one college football game this season. The best seats for Friday night’s Final Four games will set you back more than $7,000, each, and it’s around $400 just to get in the door. 

‘This is exactly what we wanted for women’s basketball,’ Clark said Thursday. ‘But also I feel like it could have been a thing a long time ago.’ 

Caitlin Clark stats

As Iowa’s Caitlin Clark continues to rewrite the record books, USA TODAY Sports is tracking all her stats during the NCAA Tournament. Here’s everything you need to know about the superstar guard. Here is an in-depth, illustrated look at the Iowa star and her race to the all-time NCAA Division I scoring record. 

Why Paige Bueckers, UConn will beat Caitlin Clark, Iowa in the Final Four 

You’ve heard of Paige Bueckers, right? Iowa coach Lisa Bluder certainly has, praising her the day before the Hawkeyes take on Bueckers and UConn in Friday’s Final Four. Bueckers, Bluder said, separates herself because she can “stop on a dime and elevate with her shot.”  

Bluder’s right. And Bueckers’ skill and athleticism, coupled with her size (she’s a strong 6-feet) will be the difference in Paige vs. Caitlin Clark, Round 2, and the reason UConn advances. (UConn won Round 1, a Sweet 16 matchup in 2001). 

The biggest reason that UConn will win: They’ve been here before. A lot. More specifically coach Geno Auriemma has been here a lot — he’s won 11 of these. As one of the best strategists in the game, he’ll have a good plan against Clark. And don’t forget that in March and April, no one in women’s college basketball knows more about winning than Auriemma. Read Lindsay Schnell’s full story. 

Why Caitlin Clark, Iowa will beat Paige Bueckers, UConn in the Final Four 

Iowa doesn’t want to make the NCAA Tournament into its 2024 Revenge Tour. Nor does coach Lisa Bluder want the Hawkeyes games turning into a showdown between Caitlin Clark and, in this case, Paige Bueckers. OK, then how about Survival of the Fittest? 

Given the pace with which Iowa likes to play and the need to, if not contain Clark try to limit her damage, this matchup might be too much for UConn’s limited resources. 

Clark is going to Clark. She’s averaging a little over 32 points in the NCAA Tournament after dropping 41 on LSU in the Elite Eight on Monday night, when she also had 12 assists and seven rebounds. After a rough start to the tournament, she appears to have fully settled in and good luck to anyone when that happens. Read Nancy Armour’s full story. 

Is Caitlin Clark or Paige Bueckers college basketball’s best player? What the stats say 

Caitlin Clark will almost certainly be the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA draft on April 15, while Paige Bueckers will return to UConn next season as the early favorite for 2024-25 national player of the year honors. But how do the superstar guards stack up on the court? And what do the stats say? USA TODAY dove into the numbers of their freshman seasons in 2020-21, their current seasons, their play so far in the 2024 NCAA Tournament and their one head-to-head meeting. Read it in full. 

UConn’s Geno Auriemma on facing Caitlin Clark: ‘I don’t need her dropping 50 on us’ 

Geno Auriemma knows Caitlin Clark is coming for the UConn Huskies.  And with that in mind, he wants to get one thing out of the way before Clark and Iowa match up with UConn in the second national semifinal on Friday in Cleveland: He has nothing against her. Nothing at all. 

“Yeah, I hope Caitlin Clark had a personal agenda against LSU,” Auriemma said after Clark dropped 41 and Iowa exacted some revenge on the defending champion Tigers in a 94-87 win in their regional final, booking a trip to their second consecutive Final Four.  

“I know there’s nothing personal between me and her. I don’t need to be seeing her drop 50 on us next weekend,” Auriemma deadpanned before laughing along with reporters. “I love her. I think she’s the best player. Forget I ever said Paige (Bueckers) is the best player in the country. I think (Caitlin’s) the best player of all time. I don’t know whoever said Paige is the best player.” — Lindsay Schnell 

Caitlin Clark scoring record: How Iowa’s superstar did it

Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark broke the NCAA all-time scoring record this season. Here’s an illustrated breakdown of every one of her points.

We also asked some hoops legends for their thoughts on the generational talent. Steph Curry, Maya Moore, Kelsey Mitchell and others broke down her game, explaining what makes her so special. 

Caitlin Clark average points per game

Iowa superstar guard Caitlin Clark is averaging 32 points per game this season on 46% shooting. She also averages 9 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. We are tracking all of Caitlin Clark’s stats here.

Caitlin Clark 3-point percentage

Kim Mulkey on Caitlin Clark

Kim Mulkey paid Caitlin Clark the ultimate compliment. Mulkey and Clark had a moment in the handshake line and the LSU coach said she told Iowa’s star, ‘I sure am glad you’re leaving. Girl you’re something else. Never seen anything like it.’

UConn WBB roster

Here is the UConn women’s basketball roster.

How to stream Iowa vs. UConn 

All games will be broadcast on ESPN. Here are additional streaming options to watch all the action on your devices. 

Stream through HULU with Live TV 
NCAA March Madness Live app 
Stream through DirecTV Stream 

How to watch March Madness: Watch all tournament games with a subscription to fuboTV 

Iowa vs. UConn odds 

The Iowa Hawkeyes are favorites to defeat the UConn Huskies in Friday’s Final Four matchup, according to the BetMGM college basketball odds. 

Spread: Iowa (-2.5) 
Moneylines: Iowa (-142); UConn (+120) 
Over/under: 163 

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CLEVELAND – Behind 22 points from Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina topped NC State 78-59 Friday night in the first semifinal of the 2024 Women’s Final Four, sending the Gamecocks to the national championship game Sunday afternoon. They will face Caitlin Clark and Iowa, who fought off UConn in the second semifinal.

The win over the Wolfpack on Friday continues South Carolina’s revenge tour. After being heavily favored to win the title last season before being stunned by Iowa in the national semifinals — their first loss of the 2022-23 season — the Gamecocks are again undefeated and on the prowl for a title. It is South Carolina’s third national championship game under coach Dawn Staley; the Gamecocks have won the previous two, defeating Mississippi State in 2017 and Connecticut in 2022.  

USA TODAY Sports has all the highlights, scores, analysis and more from the Final Four in Cleveland.

Kamilla Cardoso formidable and immovable force for South Carolina, even when injured

The most impressive part of Kamilla Cardoso’s game isn’t the fact that she played through pain Friday night, injuring her knee late in the second half before returning to play the third quarter. It’s that she’s improved throughout the season. Even if she’s not at full strength, she’s a load on the block.

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.

Most people take noticeable jumps in skill, strength or athleticism in the offseason, when they can devote hours to their craft. It’s hard to work on your individual game during the season, when you’re juggling class, scouting reports and daily practice that’s usually focused on the team. But just a couple months ago, Cardoso had a bad habit of getting buried on the block. She was often rushed when she caught the ball and took terrible angles on shots, frequently shooting underneath the rim. 

Against NC State, she looked like a first-team All-American. She was patient and polished, taking her time to feel the defense before going the other way and scoring — often through a few sets of outstretched arms. For her size, she has impressive body control. And given her mobility, she could be making a case to move up to No. 2 in this month’s WNBA Draft. Read Lindsay Schnell’s full story from the Final Four.

South Carolina vs NC State highlights

Watch all the best moments from the Gamecocks’ win over the Wolfpack in the Final Four.

Kamilla Cardoso on her knee injury, what Final Four win means

South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso on when the knee injury happened and her status: ‘I just fell and then it started hurting a little bit. But I’m OK now, I seen the doctor, he said it was fine. He’s gotta do some treatment, ice it and stuff like that, and I’ll be ready for Sunday.’
Cardoso on how dominant South Carolina was: ‘I think when all of us zone in, nobody can stop us because we can get the post-ups, we can shoot the 3, we can drive, so when all of us are playing in the same rhythm, nobody can stop us.’
Cardoso on what the shot at a title means to the team: ‘Everything. I think we’ve been working really hard and this was the goal. Even though we didn’t set a goal for this season, this was the goal to make it to the championship and I’m just so proud of this team and so proud of everything that we accomplished was working so well up.’

Kamilla Cardoso is a ‘warrior,’ teammates say

South Carolina’s Te-Hina Paopao and Ashlyn Watkins were each asked about Kamilla Cardoso’s injury in their postgame news conference. They both called her a warrior, and Paopao said she thinks Cardoso will push through to play in the championship game Sunday.

Watkins: ‘I knew she was gonna be OK. She’s a warrior. She’s not gonna let a little injury like that affect her. She’s gonna push and she’s gonna be ready for Sunday.’
Paopao: ‘She’s a beautiful Brazilian warrior. She’s just awsome, man. She’s gonna play through some pain but that’s just who she is. She loves playing the game, she’s gonna push through that. Knowing that we got one more game, she’s definitely going to be OK.’

What Dawn Staley, Te-Hina Paopao, Ashlyn Watkins said after South Carolina’s win

Here’s what South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said to open her news conference after the Gamecocks’ win over NC State: ‘It was not an easy win, although the score may say differently.

‘I’m just proud of our team. To be able to play on this big stage and not play our best basketball in the first half and come back out and make some small adjustments and meet the emoment to get us to Sunday.’

Te-Hina Paopao on the win: ‘I’m so happy we made it. We have one game left, and we’re really excited for that.’
Ashlyn Watkins on her 20-rebound performance: ‘I think it was just doing whatever I could to help the team … I just went out there and played my best basketball.’
Watkins on their third quarter turnaround: ‘We wanted it. Our locker room talk, I knew we wanted it more.’
Paopao on their third quarter turnaround: ‘We just told each other that we’re good. … We locked in on both sides of the court.’

South Carolina headed to third national championship game

South Carolina moved a step closer to a second national championship in three years after beating NC State 78-59 Friday in a semifinal game at the Final Four. The No. 1 seeded Gamecocks will play for the winner of the Iowa-UConn game for the national championship Sunday at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

The undefeated Gamecocks (37-0) broke open a close game in the third quarter, outscoring the Wolfpack 29-6. The vaunted South Carolina defense was impressive, holding NC State to 1-of-11 shooting in the quarter.

Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina’s 6-7 center, led the Gamecocks with 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting and added 11 rebounds. Late in the first half, she suffered what appeared to be a knee injury. But Cardoso looked effective during the third quarter and, with her team comfortably ahead, sat out the fourth quarter. The Gamecocks led by as many as 24 points in the second half. South Carolina held a 46-32 edge in rebounding. Ashlyn Watkins had 20 rebounds for the Gamecocks.

No. 3 seed NC State led early in the first quarter and trailed at halftime by just 32-21. But after dominating the third quarter, there was no looking back for the Gamecocks. Aziah James led NC State with 20 points. NC State standout Saniya Rivers, playing against her former team, was 2-for-11 shooting from the floor and had only five points. — Josh Peter

Ashlyn Watkins on South Carolina’s win vs NC State

In an on-court postgame interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe, South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins talked about the Gamecocks’ post play against NC State. ‘We dominate, that’s what we do …’ the sophomore said. ‘They didn’t really have a post that could guard us or stop us.’

As Dawn Staley and South Carolina aim for their third national championship, Watkins was clear-eyed about their desire for it. ‘We want this. We want it.’

Ashlyn Watkins pounding the boards

South Carolina foward Ashlyn Watkins pulled down 20 rebounds against NC State, setting a new single-game career high. The 6-foot-3 sophomore has chipped in 8 points, too. South Carolina leads 74-57 with less than 2 minutes left.

Kamilla Cardoso on bench with brace on knee

South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso started the fourth quarter on the bench, a brace now on top of the sleeve she’s been wearing since she injured her knee in the second quarter.

Kamilla Cardoso stats

South Carolina center Kamila Cardoso scored 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting against NC State. She also pulled down 11 rebounds and blocked two shots. Cardoso has played in 31 games this season, averaging 14.1 points on 58.9% shooting, 9.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 2.1 assists per game.

South Carolina dominates in third quarter vs NC State

South Carolina buried NC State in the third quarter, outscoring the Wolfpack 29-6 to build a 61-37 lead. The Gamecocks looked at their best defensively, holding NC State scoreless for more than six minutes while going on an 11-0. South Carolina’s shooters also heated up from 3-point range. Kamilla Cardoso, who wasn’t on the floor to start the fourth quarter and was riding a bike on the sideline at the end of the third quarter, has a double-double with 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting and 11 rebounds.

Even as South Carolina dominates, coach Dawn Staley is still frustrated by the Gamecocks’ defensive errors.

Kamila Cardoso riding bike on sideline

Near the end of the third quarter, South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso was riding a bike on the sideline as she manages a knee injury suffered in the second quarter.

Kamila Cardoso, South Carolina open big lead

South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso scored back-to-back buckets to give the Gamecocks a big lead to open the third quarter against NC State. She had 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting through three quarters. South Carolina came out firing, opening the third quarter with a 9-1 run before mounting a 55-36 lead with less than 3 minutes left.

Cardoso looks healthy enough too, having scored a couple of baskets this quarter despite having hobbled off the court late in the first half. It looks like she is moving better as she gets a little warmer.

Kamilla Cardoso back on the floor to start second half

South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso is back on floor to start the second half against NC State after going down near the end of the first half. She is wearing a big wrap on her right leg, and it looks like compression stocking.

We’ll see how she can move, but early in the second half it looks like she’s grimacing when she runs. — Nancy Armour and Lindsay Schnell

Where is Kamilla Cardoso from?

South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso is from Montes Claros, Brazil, moving to the U.S. when she was 15. She went to Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tenn.

South Carolina opens 10-point lead to start second half

South Carolina opened a 10-point lead to start the second half against NC State. The Gamecocks built a 44-34 lead with 7:09 in the third quarter.

Kamila Cardoso injured in second quarter

Kamilla Cardoso was hurt in the second quarter. And it looked painful. South Carolina’s 6-foot-7 center landed awkwardly under the basket after a missed shot with just under 2 minutes left in the second quarter and came up limping. It’s hard to tell if it’s a right knee or ankle, but Cardoso was in obvious pain. It’s hard to tell if it’s a right knee or ankle, but Cardoso was in obvious pain.

She hobbled for two trips down the court, but committed a foul with 1:39 to play — probably so she could get out of the game. She limped off the floor and headed back to the locker room immediately. Cardoso scored 16 points in 15 minutes of play and helped South Carolina to a 32-21 halftime lead. What we know about Cardoso’s injury.

South Carolina vs. NC State halftime analysis

If you want to beat South Carolina, you’ve got to do one thing really well: Rebound.

And right now, NC State is losing that battle. South Carolina leads the battle on the glass at halftime, 22-17. The Gamecocks are particularly good on the offensive end of the floor, and have grabbed six offensive boards already. They’ve only turned those into four second-chance points so far, but there’s no question Dawn Staley is harping on them in the locker room to hit the glass harder. If South Carolina gets rolling with offensive rebounds — even if Kamilla Cardoso is out for awhile, the Gamecock guards rebound extremely well — it’s hard to slow them down.

Meanwhile, NC State has grabbed five offensive rebounds and turned those into four second chance points, too. — Lindsay Schnell

How South Carolina nabbed halftime lead vs NC State

South Carolina held a 32-31 lead over NC State at the half — and South Carolina’s fans are holding their breath. Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina’s 6-7 center, hobbled off the court with an injury late in the second quarter.

Before the injury, Cardoso had scored a game-high 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the floor and grabbed seven rebounds. South Carolina clearly needed the contributions to keep pace with NC State during fast-paced first half. Aziah James has spurred the Wolfpack with 10 points, including a pair of 3-pointers.

The pace has tested both teams, with South Carolina committing 10 turnovers and NC State committing seven. Although South Carolina led by as many as six points, it was mostly nip and tuck, with four lead changes and four ties. — Josh Peter

Kamila Cardoso scores 12 straight points for South Carolina

NC State coach Wes Moore on Wolfpack’s performance so far

NC State coach Wes Moore was first up for TV interviews after the opening quarter. With the Wolfpack and Gamecocks tied at 16, Moore was hopeful his team would stay relaxed and keep a hot hand. Before heading back to the bench, he told ESPN’s Holly Rowe: ‘Thanks, Holly. You look good in red!’ That’s the hue that is spackled all over the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, worn by die-hard Wolfpack fans. — Heather Tucker

South Carolina, NC State tied after first quarter

The Gamecocks and Wolfpack were tied 16-16 after the first period in their Final Four game. NC State guard Aziaha James led all scorers with 8 points. South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso leads has 4 points for South Carolina, which got 7 points off the bench in period.

A fast-paced start turned almost frenetic at times with the teams finishing the quarter deadlocked. South Carolina jumped on top 5-0, but NC State responded with a 10-2 run thanks to a pair of 3-pointers from James. But you didn’t expect the Gamecocks to fold early did you? Of course not. Back the came behind pressure defense. Are the referees’ whistles working? So far, only one personal foul has been called.

Kamila Cordoso contact issue in first quarter vs. NC State

It looks as if South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso is having issues with her left contact, trying to rub it back down into place with the trainer putting drops in her eye. She left court briefly in the first quarter but came back and was no longer rubbing her left eye. — Nancy Armour

Aziaha James hot early for NC State

NC State guard Aziaha James opened the first quarter 3-of-5 shooting, including 2-of-3 from 3. She finished the opening period with 8 points for the Wolfpack.

Sania Feagin comes up with big block in first quarter vs NC State

Watch South Carolina forward Sania Feagin block NC State guard Saniya Rivers in the first quarter.

Dawn Staley outfit

The Dawn Staley fashion update: Whole lotta Louis Vuitton. Black LV T-shirt, black bomber jacket and sneakers with logo pattern. Leather pants, but have to assume those are Louis, too. — Nancy Armour

Aziaha James stats 

Junior guard Aziaha James leads the team with 16.7 points and adds 4.6 rebounds per game. She has come alive in the tournament, scoring 29 points to oust Stanford and then notching 27 points and tallying six rebounds to advance past Texas. — Victoria Hernandez 

River Baldwin stats

NC State center River Baldwin has played in 34 games this season, averaging 10.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Baldwin is in her fifth year of college hoops, spending the first three at Florida State and the last two years with the Wolfpack.

South Carolina women’s basketball roster

Here is the South Carolina women’s basketball roster.

NC State women’s basketball roster

Here is the NC State women’s basketball roster.

South Carolina starting lineup

Here’s who is starting for the Gamecocks in the Final Four against NC State: C Kamilla Cardoso, F Chloe Kitts, G Raven Johnson, G Bree Hall, G Te-Hina Paopao.

NC State starting lineup

Here’s who is starting for the Wolfpack in the Final Four against South Carolina: C River Baldwin, F Mimi Collins, G Madison Hayes, G Aziaha James, G Saniya Rivers.

Former teammates Saniya Rivers, Kamilla Cardoso share a pregame hug

Former teammates at South Carolina, Saniya Rivers and Kamilla Cardoso shared a long hug before they tipped it off in their Final Four matchup. Read Lindsay Schnell’s full feature on Rivets here.

NC State vs. South Carolina prediction

USA TODAY Sports’ Lindsay Schnell is picking NC State to knock off undefeated South Carolina while Nancy Armour has South Carolina winning and getting back to the national championship game.

March Madness bracket 2024 women

Here is the full women’s March Madness bracket.

Why South Carolina will beat NC State women in Final Four

South Carolina has coasted into yet another Final Four, largely unnoticed because of all the attention on Iowa’s game against LSU in the Elite Eight, a rematch of last year’s national championship game. But do not take the lack of a spotlight as a sign of deficiencies on the part of the Gamecocks. South Carolina is as relentless as it is ruthless, as NC State will soon discover. — Nancy Armour

Why NC State women will beat South Carolina in Final Four

NC State coach Wes Moore knows he’s got a David-and-Goliath matchup on his hands when his third-seeded NC State Wolfpack take on overall No. 1 seed and undefeated South Carolina on Friday in the Final Four. But he also knows this: In that story, it’s David who comes out ahead. 

And that type of confidence in his team is partially why the Wolfpack will stun the Gamecocks. That, and excellent guard play. Throughout NC State’s tournament run, and particularly the last two games, starting guards Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers, herself a former Gamecock, have been stellar. James in particular is on a tear, averaging 24.3 points during the NCAA Tournament, up from 15.8 before that. — Lindsay Schnell

2024 WNBA mock draft: Where are the top prospects in Final Four predicted to go?

The 2024 WNBA Draft is less than two weeks away, providing a quick turnaround from the end of the women’s college basketball season. March Madness is almost over, and the Final Four is this weekend. Here are the latest WNBA draft landing spot projections for players participating in this year’s Final Four.

Te-Hina Paopao on Polynesian culture and women’s basketball

If it seems like Polynesian stars are suddenly everywhere in women’s basketball (and elsewhere), well, that’s how they planned it. “The culture is booming,” South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao said. “And we’re going to keep it growing. I’m going to do everything I possibly can to keep inspiring the next generation so people know we don’t only play football and softball.” Read Lindsay Schnell’s full feature.

Tessa Johnson stats

South Carolina guard Tessa Johnson averages 6.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 17.3 minutes per game. The 6-foot freshman has appeared in 33 games this season, shooting 43.1 percent from the field and 42.5 percent from 3.

MiLaysia Fulwiley stats

South Carolina freshman guard MiLaysia Fulwiley averages 11.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 2.1 assists per game this season.

Saniya Rivers stats

NC State guard Saniya Rivers, who is a 6-foot-1 junior, averages 12.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and a team-high 3.8 assists per game for the Wolfpack. Read Lindsay Schnell’s full feature here.

Women’s Final Four location: Where are the games?

The 2024 women’s Final Four is at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, home of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, in Cleveland, Ohio, the same location as Sunday’s national championship game.

Watch NC State women’s basketball arrive at Final Four

How many national championships has South Carolina won? 

South Carolina has won the national championship twice. The Gamecocks won their first title in 2017, beating the Mississippi State Bulldogs, 67-55. They then captured their second national championship in 2022 by topping the Connecticut Huskies, 64-49. — Victoria Hernandez 

How many national championships has NC State been to? 

The Wolfpack has never been to the women’s college basketball national championship. If they topple No. 1 South Carolina on Friday, it will be their first appearance in the title matchup. — Victoria Hernandez 

Women’s college basketball coaches want to know: Where’s accountability, transparency in officiating?

As women’s basketball explodes in popularity and administrators realize its power as a revenue-generator, pressure to win has ratcheted up. And that makes every call, especially in a close game, matter. For all the discourse around the varying issues in college sports, coaches, administrators and even officials agree on one thing: The officiating in women’s basketball needs major work.

The NCAA declined to make Penny Davis, the head of women’s officiating, available to USA TODAY Sports. But others spoke about one of the game’s most problematic issues. 

“I think to the overall point as the game has gotten more spotlight and just more people purchasing tickets, watching on television, the fundamental question as administrators is, have we done enough to look at the officiating?” Utah athletic director Mark Harlan told USA TODAY Sports. “And I think the answer is no.” Read Lindsay Schnell’s full story.

What to know about NC State women’s basketball, briefly 

In a loaded ACC, the quietly excellent Wolfpack is often overlooked. We should probably stop doing that, given that NC State has five players who score in double figures, with any of them capable of taking over a game. — Lindsay Schnell 

What to know about South Carolina women’s basketball, briefly 

The Gamecocks haven’t forgotten they were upset last year and in fact, they still seem upset about it. They’re taking it out on anyone in their way and seem eager to prove there won’t be a repeat of last spring.  — Lindsay Schnell 

NC State’s Saniya Rivers: What to know

When they saw each other Wednesday for the first time in nearly two years, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley and NC State guard Saniya Rivers embraced. But for the following 48 hours, they probably won’t be too friendly with each other. 

It’s a weird matchup for Rivers and Staley, the 16-year head coach for the undefeated Gamecocks. Rivers started her career in Columbia, going in as the No. 3 player in the 2021 class, according to ESPN HoopGurlz. 

‘She’s a great person,’ Rivers said of Staley. ‘We still talk to this day, she congratulates me on accomplishments. I do the same thing. If it’s her birthday, I wish her a happy birthday. We saw each other (Wednesday), hugged it out.’ Read Lindsay Schnell’s full feature here.

What NC State coach Wes Moore said to Wolfpack after shootaround

Watch what NC State coach Wes Moore said to his players after their shootaround this afternoon at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

How many times has South Carolina been to the Final Four? 

This is South Carolina’s sixth trip to the Final Four, all under Dawn Staley’s leadership. They made their first appearance in program history in 2015 when they lost to Notre Dame by one point with a 66-65 score in the national semifinal. The Gamecocks made it to the Final Four in 2017 for their first title, beating Mississippi State, 67-55. 

They returned to the Final Four in 2021 when they fell to Stanford in another close game, 66-65. That was the first of four straight national semifinal appearances. They also made it in 2022 − when they won their second championship by beating Connecticut, 64-49 − 2023, and this year, 2024. — Victoria Hernandez 

How many times has NC State been to the Final Four? 

This year is NC State’s second trip to the Final Four. The Wolfpack previously made the national semifinal in 1998 under Hall of Fame coach Kay Yow. They lost to Louisiana Tech, 84-65. — Victoria Hernandez 

South Carolina vs. NC State odds 

The Gamecocks are favorites to defeat the Wolfpack in Friday’s Final Four matchup, according to BetMGM college basketball odds. 

Spread: South Carolina (-11.5) 
Moneylines: South Carolina (-800); NC State (+550) 
Over/under: 139.5 

Why women’s March Madness feels more entertaining than men’s NCAA Tournament

In LeBron James’ new podcast with J.J. Redick for basketball nerds, Mind the Game, James bemoaned men’s college basketball in two of the three episodes.

“It does not translate for me,” James said. “It frustrates me. My high blood pressure picks up … so I try to stay away from it.”

James says that having one son (Bronny) who just finished his freshman season at Southern California and another son (Bryce) who likely will play college basketball. While the men’s college game remains popular, particularly during March Madness, a question has popped up, especially among NBA executives who have taken their eyes off scouting men’s players to watch the women’s tournament: is women’s college basketball more entertaining than the men’s game?

“They always play the game the right way – passing and cutting, sharing the ball. They’re definitely going to get on the floor for loose balls,” James said of NCAA women’s basketball. “But there’s men’s teams that’s doing that as well too at the end of the day. But the star power that we have in the women’s game outweighs some of the men, too.” Read Jeff Zillgitt’s full column.

Women’s college basketball is faster than it’s ever been. The result? More records falling

Shortly after Alyssa Ustby recorded the first triple-double in North Carolina women’s basketball history in early January, coach Courtney Banghart was asked: Why are so many records being broken lately in women’s college basketball? What’s different about now compared to, say, 10 years ago?  

Banghart, who played at Dartmouth from 1996-2000 and coached at Princeton before moving to Chapel Hill in 2019, didn’t hesitate. 

“The game is so fast,” she said, shaking her head in awe. “There’s so many possessions — the stats guys might know that better than me — but the talent level and speed of play is remarkable. I’ve been in this game a long time and (players today) can all do so much with the ball. There’s just more versatility as well as athleticism, and that leads to more possessions and more impact on the game.” Read Lindsay Schnell’s full feature.

South Carolina women’s basketball roster

Here is the South Carolina women’s basketball roster.

NC State women’s basketball roster

Here is the NC State women’s basketball roster.

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Caitlin Clark is off to the WNBA soon, but before she goes, the back-to-back national player of the year has another Final Four to attend.

Scratch that. She doesn’t just have another Final Four to attend, but another national championship game. Because after a thrilling 71-69 win over UConn in the semifinal, a game that featured seven ties, two lead changes and one end-of-game controversial foul call, Clark and the Hawkeyes are headed back to the national championship.

Behind 21 points from Clark and 23 points from Hannah Stuelke, Iowa earned a date with South Carolina in the national title game Sunday. It will be a rematch of last year’s semifinal, when Clark and the Hawkeyes stunned the undefeated Gamecocks. Since March 31, 2023, South Carolina hasn’t lost a game. Can Clark & Co. play heartbreaker again?

Iowa started the 2024 NCAA Tournament with a win, as Clark scored 27 against Holy Cross in a 91-65 victory. Then the Hawkeyes survived West Virginia, 64-65 before handling Colorado 89-68 in the Sweet 16. In the Elite Eight, Clark and top-seeded Iowa got their revenge on LSU, beating the Tigers 94-87 behind 41 points from Clark.

Last year, Clark led the Hawkeyes to their first Final Four in 30 years. After stunning top-ranked South Carolina in the semifinals, Clark & Co. lost to LSU and Most Outstanding Player Angel Reese, 102-85, in the national title matchup. 

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.

Clark’s been busy since then, becoming the top scorer in women’s and men’s Division I college basketball while hitting 196 3s (and counting) this season, an NCAA record previously held by Stephen Curry of Davidson. 

As Clark continues to rewrite the record books, USA TODAY Sports is tracking all her stats during the NCAA Tournament. 

How many points did Caitlin Clark score in Iowa’s last NCAA Tournament game? 

Caitlin Clark scored 21 points in Iowa’s come-from-behind 71-69 win over UConn in the national semifinals.

How many points has Caitlin Clark scored in the NCAA Tournament? 

Through 16 career NCAA Tournament games, Caitlin Clark has scored 462 points, an average of 28.9 per game.

How many career points has Caitlin Clark scored?

Caitlin Clark has 3,921 career points after scoring 21 in Iowa’s national semifinal win over UConn.

How many rebounds, assists and steals does Caitlin Clark have in the NCAA Tournament? 

Rebounds: 104 in 16 games, or 6.5 rpg

Assists: 145 in 16 games, or 9.1 apg

Steals: 21 in 16 games, or 1.3 spg

When is Caitlin Clark’s next game on TV? 

Every game of the women’s NCAA Tournament will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks. Iowa next plays vs. South Carolina in the national championship on Sunday. The game will be broadcast on ABC and tip at 3 p.m. ET.

Do Caitlin Clark’s NCAA Tournament points count toward her record? 

Yes! Though some sports, including MLB, don’t count postseason stats toward career stats, that’s not the case in the NCAA. So any points Clark scores during 2024 March Madness will count toward her career point total of 3,798. 

What is Caitlin Clark’s highest scoring game? 

In regular-season play, Clark scored 49 points vs. Michigan on Feb. 15, 2023.

In the NCAA Tournament, Clark has scored 41 points three times, including in Iowa’s 94-87 Elite Eight win over LSU. She also scored 41 points in back-to-back 2023 NCAA Tournament games vs. Louisville in the Elite Eight (March 26, 2023) and then vs. South Carolina in the Final Four (March 31, 2023). 

Caitlin Clark NCAA Tournament game log

Here’s a breakdown of Clark’s scoring in each of her career 16 NCAA Tournament games:

Freshman year

vs. Central Michigan, 3/21/2021: 23 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals
vs. Kentucky, 3/23/2021: 35 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal
vs. UConn, 3/27/2021: 21 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals

Sophomore year

vs. Illinois State, 3/18/2022: 27 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals
vs. Creighton, 3/20/2022: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 steal

Junior year

vs. Southeastern Louisiana, 3/17/2023: 26 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists, 2 steals
vs. Georgia, 3/19/2023: 22 points, 3 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals
vs. Colorado, 3/24/2023: 31 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals
vs. Louisville, 3/26/2023: 41 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals
vs. South Carolina, 3/31/2023: 41 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal
vs. LSU, 4/2/023: 30 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, 0 steals

Senior year

vs. Holy Cross, 3/23/2024: 27 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals
vs. West Virginia, 3/25/2024: 32 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
vs. Colorado, 3/30/2024: 29 points, 6 rebounds, 15 assists, 1 steal
vs. LSU, 4/1/2024: 41 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists, 2 steals
vs. UConn, 4/6/24: 21 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals

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

In LeBron James’ new podcast with J.J. Redick for basketball nerds, Mind the Game, James bemoaned men’s college basketball in two of the three episodes.

“It does not translate for me,” James said. “It frustrates me. My high blood pressure picks up … so I try to stay away from it.”

James says that having one son (Bronny) who just finished his freshman season at Southern California and another son (Bryce) who likely will play college basketball.

While the men’s college game remains popular, particularly during March Madness, a question has popped up, especially among NBA executives who have taken their eyes off scouting men’s players to watch the women’s tournament: is women’s college basketball more entertaining than the men’s game?

To James’ point, the men’s game can be a drag sometimes with coaches micromanaging the shot clock, slowing the game and reducing it to a boring, offensively stagnant affair, sometimes further marred by a grueling procession to the free throw line.

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.

“They always play the game the right way – passing and cutting, sharing the ball. They’re definitely going to get on the floor for loose balls,” James said of NCAA women’s basketball. “But there’s men’s teams that’s doing that as well too at the end of the day. But the star power that we have in the women’s game outweighs some of the men, too.”

Certainly, the women’s game is enjoying a moment with its stars, from Iowa’s Caitlin Clark to LSU’s Angel Reese to Southern California’s JuJu Watkins to UConn’s Paige Bueckers, that has captivated basketball fans.

The women’s game has had moments before, but this is something different and transcends star power. The games (most of the time) are enjoyable to watch because it’s a free-flowing game with creative offensive sets and players who can execute those plays.

This is not a novel thought. Nearly 30 years ago, John Wooden, the great UCLA men’s basketball coach, said, “To me, the best pure basketball I see today is among the better women’s teams.”

Today, there is an unprecedented amount of talent in women’s college basketball.

“There’s just more shotmaking than there used to be,” Southern California women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb told USA TODAY Sports. ‘I have a friend who 10 years ago would say women’s basketball is a game of missed shots and turnovers a lot. So the team that’s the best offensive rebounding team might win or the team that can capitalize. And those times have changed. There’s more shotmaking in women’s basketball, not just hitting open 3s, but literally shot creation and shotmaking.”

That talent and shotmaking has allowed women’s coaches to open up the game, and in some cases, mimic NBA offenses.

“You have this star power, you have a lot of players right now who can make plays and coaches are maybe more willing to let them do that,” said Gottlieb, who spent two years as an assistant in the NBA.

The UConn-Illinois men’s Elite Eight game was brutal. It was 23-23 late in the first half, and 28-23 UConn at halftime. Nearly 50 minutes of real time passed before Illinois scored again – after it fell behind 53-23. Every game is not like that or like Duke’s 54-51 victory against Houston in a men’s Sweet 16 game. Alabama, for example, is on a sprint to 90 points in every game.

Just like every women’s game is not a 94-87 Iowa win against LSU. The Hawkeyes had just 16 points in the fourth quarter of their second-round victory against West Virginia, were 1-for-10 from the field and 14 of those points came on free throws.

Not one thing is all good and the other all bad.

But the women’s game has free-flowing aspects that don’t always include milking the shot clock to under 10, and if the play doesn’t result in a good shot, there’s not enough time remaining for secondary offense and it’s a helter-skelter scramble to get a shot off. As is the case with too many men’s teams.

The data has proven that early offense yields the most efficient points per possession. That’s a facet Gottlieb picked up during her time as an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“You certainly have actions and you certainly have patterns, but then you just (let) players go,” Gottlieb said. “I can speak to what I do and how I’ve tried to carry that over. Our players are not afraid to take an early shot. We want them to. And so our best offense by far is when JuJu gets the ball off the rim and just goes in transition. It feels more like the NBA to me.”

The women’s game also benefits from rules that are not employed in the men’s games such as four quarters instead of two halves and advancing the ball to halfcourt on a timeout. Because of two halves, the men’s game gets mired in too many free throws, interrupting the flow. The women’s game resets team fouls after each quarter, and James said the men’s game needs to go to quarters and consider lowering the shot clock from 30 to 24 seconds.

Is the women’s game more entertaining than the men’s game? Aesthetics are subjective. But the growth and enjoyment in the women’s game is undeniable in TV viewership and ticket demand. It’s rooted in a style that appeals to basketball fans, and that’s a credit to the coaches, and most of all, the players.

Follow NBA columnist Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt

The women’s national championship game is set.

Overall No. 1 seed and undefeated South Carolina knocked out No. 3 seed NC State behind a double-double from Kamilla Cardoso. The Gamecocks will play Caitlin Clark and Iowa, winners of the nightcap, for the 2024 NCAA Division I championship Sunday at 3 p.m. ET (ABC).

The second semifinal featured No. 1 seed Iowa vs. No. 3 seed UConn – and a battle of electric guards in Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. Clark swept all the national player of the year awards for the past two seasons, while Bueckers collected all the hardware for the 2020-21 season.

Clark finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists to lead the Hawkeyes, although for the first time in her NCAA Tournament career, she didn’t score a 3-pointer in the first half.

Who is in the women’s national championship game?

(1) South Carolina (37-0) vs. (1) Iowa (34-4)

Kamilla Cardoso, who was injured in the second quarter of Friday’s game, is the engine that drives the Gamecocks. Cardoso fell hard on her right leg and left the floor with about 2 minutes to play before halftime. She returned and scored the first points of the second half with her leg wrapped in a compression sleeve. She was limping but appeared to move better as the game went on. She came out to hop on the bicycle and was tended to by trainers, a brace placed on top of the sleeve she was wearing.
Caitlin Clark will finish her collegiate career Sunday by either winning the national title or losing to an undefeated team. Clark scored 21 points to help boost Iowa back into the final, where the Hawkeyes lost last season to LSU.

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.

When is the women’s national championship game?

Sunday at 3 p.m. ET

Where is the women’s national championship game?

Cleveland. Also home to the Cavaliers, Browns and Guardians. And the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

How to watch the women’s national championship game

ESPN and its family of networks has carried the entire women’s NCAA Tournament. The final will air on ABC. It also can be streamed on Fubo and ESPN+.

Has South Carolina won a title?

Yes. In 2017 and 2022, both with coach Dawn Staley.

Has Iowa won a title?

No. This is its second consecutive trip to the national championship game.

Women’s NCAA Tournament titles won by year:

2023: LSU
2022: South Carolina
2021: Stanford
2020: Canceled due to COVID
2019: Baylor
2018: Notre Dame
2017: South Carolina
2016: UConn
2015: UConn
2014: UConn
2013: UConn
2012: Baylor
2011: Texas A&M
2010: UConn
2009: UConn
2008: Tennessee
2007: Tennessee
2006: Maryland
2005: Baylor
2004: UConn
2003: UConn
2002: UConn
2001: Notre Dame
2000: UConn
1999: Purdue
1998: Tennessee
1997: Tennessee
1996: Tennessee
1995: UConn
1994: North Carolina
1993: Texas Tech
1992: Stanford
1991: Tennessee
1990: Stanford
1989: Tennessee
1988: Louisiana Tech
1987: Tennessee
1986: Texas
1985: Old Dominion
1984: Southern California
1983: Southern California
1982: Louisiana Tech

Most women’s NCAA Tournament titles by team:

11: UConn, 1995-2016
8: Tennessee, 1987-2008
3: Baylor, 2005-19
3: Stanford, 1990-2021
2: Louisiana Tech, 1982-88
2: Southern California, 1983-84
2: Notre Dame, 2001-18
2: South Carolina, 2017-22

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — During recruiting season, they’d all come to see Kevin Keatts because he was the guy with the players. One by one, the biggest names in college basketball would stop by Hargrave Military Academy, the boarding school in middle-of-nowhere Southern Virginia, trying to recruit the players Keatts had brought there. 

He was an important cog in the machine of American basketball; the guy responsible for helping college-bound players who needed prep school to improve their grades or their recruiting stock or those who just wanted a better level of competition. And because of that, all the hotshot, multi-millionaire coaches didn’t just know him, they needed him – even if the general public had no idea who he was. 

Keatts, a native of Lynchburg, Va., was fine with that. His parents were 45 minutes away. Life was steady. He thought he might even be the next Fletcher Artist, who coached at Fork Union Military Academy for 46 years and sent dozens of players to college and the NBA. 

“I was content not taking another job,” said Keatts, who won 94% of his games at Hargrave and coached a handful of future NBA players. “I had no intent on getting into college. And then, you know, fortunately I got a call and it changed everything.”

The call came from Rick Pitino in 2011, asking Keatts to consider joining his coaching staff at Louisville. 

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.

“The rest becomes history,” he said.

In a historical sense, Keatts’ rise from high school coach to Final Four coach in the span of a dozen seasons is highly unusual. In this Final Four, though, it actually seems like the norm. 

For much of the time Keatts was at Hargrave Military Academy, UConn’s Dan Hurley was “driving a minibus” around New Jersey to get his St. Benedict’s Prep team to games while Alabama’s Nate Oats was teaching math and coaching at Romulus High School near Detroit. 

For all three to end up on the biggest stage in college basketball is a story of serendipity and opportunity — but also one that shows the next great coaching career could start anywhere. 

‘I’m just a high school guy that caught a break that’s still trying to prove that I belong at this level,” Oats said. 

For Oats that break was, ironically enough, meeting the Hurley family. 

At Romulus, Oates coached a player named E.C. Matthews, who went on to become an all-Atlantic 10 player at Rhode Island. He was recruited there by Dan Hurley and his older brother Bobby, the former Duke and NBA star whose visits to Romulus sparked a deeper relationship. 

‘He was running a college program in high school, just like my dad,” said Dan Hurley, whose father Bob Sr., built one of the sport’s legendary high school programs at St. Anthony’s in Jersey City. “The thing I noticed was like, this guy’s wired different. Different level of energy about him. I went and watched them in the (state) tournament. One of the most detailed video scouts that you’ll see. In the back, they had spaghetti cooking on the stove. You could see he was a high-level guy that just happened to be coaching in (high school).”

At various points in his time at Romulus, the possibility of career advancement had motivated Oats, whose only experience in college had been a few years as an assistant at the Division I level. “I think I would have taken any Division I assistant job anywhere in the country,” he said. 

But his big break never came to fruition. Oats interviewed for a couple assistant jobs in the Mid-American Conference, but nothing ever came through. A bit of frustration set in. After getting to know the Hurleys, he came to grips with the idea that he could still make his mark in the sport even if he remained a high school coach forever. 

“We were winning,” Oats said. “Good retirement plan as a schoolteacher. If Bob Hurley, Sr., can be a Hall of Fame coach, multiple Division I head coaching job that he turned down, I could stay here and be a very successful basketball coach and be happy with it.”

But when Bobby Hurley got the head coaching job at Buffalo in 2013, he asked Oats to come with him. Oats didn’t want to uproot his family and take a job if there was a significant risk of getting fired, but he figured hitching his wagon to one of the Hurley brothers was pretty safe. 

Two years later, when Bobby Hurley left for Arizona State, it only took then-Buffalo athletics director Danny White about a day to promote Oats and suddenly make him a Division I head coach. Four years later, he’s at Alabama contending almost right away for SEC championships. 

“I think it gives some hope and belief for just the normal high school coach out there,” Oats said. “I know I’m fortunate. I worked for different people, caught different breaks that a lot of people don’t get. There’s a lot of high school coaches that are just as good if not better than me but just haven’t had a break that I’ve been able to have.”

If Oats’ lack of college pedigree prevented him from landing on the radar, Dan Hurley’s career prospects were being limited by a different factor: He might have been too picky. 

Throughout his time at St. Benedict’s, Hurley had opportunities to join college coaching staffs. He had the name and the connections to top players, particularly in the talent-rich state of New Jersey.

Hurley had turned down a chance to go to Pittsburgh as an assistant and Marist as a head coach, not wanting to move his family for just any job. He wanted to eventually coach in college, but it had to be the right place. And as the son of a coach who stayed at one school forever, it wasn’t natural for him to be a constant climber.

In 2010, Wagner met the criteria. He spent two years there, six at Rhode Island and now six at UConn. If he wins a second consecutive national title, he’ll have gone from prep school to a lock for the Hall of Fame in almost record time. 

“Some of the best coaches in the world are high school guys,” Keatts said. “They’re doing the same thing we’re doing, but they’re not making a lot of money to do it. They do it for the love of the game, and I think that’s what is so special about it.”

When Keatts arrived at Louisville, it obviously opened his eyes to see how a legend like Pitino ran his program day-to-day. But he also discovered that he had his own “cheat sheet” that gave him an edge on other assistants. 

After sending 10 or 11 kids a year from Hargrave to Division I schools, he knew the good and bad from nearly every program and how every college coach formed their sales pitch. That taught him a lot about recruiting — what to do, what not to do and how those relationships manifest once players arrive on campus.

“I wouldn’t (give up) that experience for anything,” Keatts said. “It was a great foundation to help me grow to where I’m at today.”

GLENDALE, Ariz. –  All the fanfare surrounding the Final Four in Phoenix is nothing new for the North Carolina State men’s basketball team. 

“We got less cameras on us now,” head coach Kevin Keatts said Friday, one day ahead of the Wolfpack’s Final Four matchup against Purdue. “They film each other every day. … You got Snapchat and you got Instagram. These guys are so used to being in front of a camera.”

NC State is only the seventh double-digit seed in NCAA tournament history to reach the Final Four, and the Wolfpack’s impressive 9-0 run through the ACC Tournament and March Madness has captured the hearts of America. Although history is not on their side – no double-digit seed has ever advanced to the national championship game – Keatts said his team is far from a Cinderella story and shouldn’t be underestimated, although it has worked in their favor so far.

“With the run that we had, I thought we could be possibly an 8 or 9 seed going into the tournament,’ Keatts said. ‘You don’t win five games in five days and beat the teams that we beat and then get the 11th seed. I don’t think we are a Cinderella. I think if you ask anyone we played, they would probably say the same thing.

“We came here to have the opportunity to cut the nets down not as a Cinderella,” added Keatts.

FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.

DJ Burns says matchup with Zach Edey ‘will be fun’

Keatts implemented a ‘business versus pleasure’ protocol for his team heading into Final Four weekend. ‘If you see somebody having too much fun,’ he joked, ‘it’s supposed to be 75% business today and 25% fun.’

One player having his fair share of fun is senior forward DJ Burns, the 6’9, 275-pound star who’s emerged as the fan favorite of March Madness. He said he doesn’t feed into the noise, however, and credited Keatts with keeping the team focused only on the goal ahead.

‘(Keatts) told us when we first got here, go enjoy but. When you get on the court, I need your focus 100%,’ Burns said. ‘He’s done a good job of reeling us back in when we need it and letting us enjoy it when we’re not. We need to be focused right now at the moment.’

Burns ‘assignment includes slowing down Purdue big man Zach Edey, who picked up his second consecutive Associated Press Player of the Year honor. Although Burns admitted that he ‘didn’t have too much prior knowledge of’ Edey before this season, Burns gave him props and said the matchup ‘will be fun.’

“The dude is huge, it’s pretty easy for him to score over defenders. I kind of like that,’ Burns said of Edey. ‘Anybody who scores in the post like I do, you’ve got to respect it.’

Kevin Keatts: ‘We’re battle-tested’

‘I don’t know that there’s another team in the country that has played with what everyone would consider pressure,’ he added. ‘We lose any game in the ACC, we don’t make the NCAA Tournament. We lose any game in the NCAA, we don’t advance to the Final Four.’

They are two wins away from the program’s first national championship since 1983. And the superstitions that got them to the Final Four are here to stay. Expect Keatts to wear the same shoes he’s worn for eight straight games and expect him to listen to Marvin Sapp’s ‘The Best in Me’ beforehand. ‘Coaches, we’re creatures of habit,’ he joked.

Burns said he’ll leave the superstitions to Keatts, but did say he’s going to listen to G Herbo pregame. When asked to drop some bars, he laughed: ‘Not right now. We’ll save that for later.’