NC State’s run came to an end as Purdue secured a spot in the men’s national championship game, where they will face UConn aiming to prevent back-to-back titles for the Huskies. However, the spotlight today shifts to the women’s national championship clash between South Carolina and Iowa.
In the men’s semifinals, NC State kept the game tight in the first half but faltered in the second, allowing Purdue to dominate and secure a 63-50 victory led by Zach Edey’s impressive 20 points. On the other side, UConn faced a tough challenge from Alabama but managed to pull away in the final minutes, clinching an 86-72 win and a spot in the championship game against Purdue.
Turning to the women’s championship, it’s a highly anticipated matchup as undefeated South Carolina takes on Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes. This game marks a rematch from last year’s Final Four, where Iowa triumphed over South Carolina. Both teams are seeking redemption, with South Carolina looking to avenge their previous loss and Iowa aiming to overcome last year’s championship defeat to LSU.
A key player to watch is Gamecocks’ star Kamilla Cardoso, who suffered a leg injury but returned to play, reassuring fans and coach Dawn Staley about her condition.
