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This year's All-Star game was one to remember. With record-breaking temperatures, the WNBA brought the heat to Phoenix.

The 20th annual game drew 3.4 million viewers on ABC, making it the most-watched All-Star game in WNBA history. The third most viewed event ever across all networks, according to ESPN PR, viewership peaked at 4.2 million, over a 300 percent increase from last year.

This year's format was unique, marking the second year in history to debut Team WNBA vs. Team USA. While some all-star games present as a fun, dynamic, flowing experience, this year's matchup was highly competitive, as reported by several players and coaches.

"We have to be locked in, our time together is so short," said USA Olympian Breanna Stewart prior to Friday's three-point contest. "Also knowing what happened last time we had Team USA vs. the All-Stars. It didn't go our way."

With that said, Stewart's been in this position before. In 2021, Team WNBA defeated Team USA, 93-85 in which Arike Ogunbowale was crowned MVP winner with 26 points. Four years later, it's a bit of déjà vu for Stewart and company. And there's something about Ogunbowale cooking up against the USA Basketball National Olympic Team.

In front of a crowd of 16,407 attendees at the Footprint Center, Team WNBA once again defeated Team USA 117-109. After admitting that she had pulled out of the Olympics due to "politics," Ogunbowale captured her second All-Star MVP against Team USA with 34 points, three rebounds, six assists, and two steals on 10-20 field goal shooting. Although it's the All-Star game, Ogunbowale wouldn't let Team USA stop her and her squad from competing at the highest level.

"They're [Team USA] getting ready to play, and they want to win," said Ogunbowale post-game. "We're not going to get embarrassed as well. They have plays they've been practicing. We just want to come out hard, and I love competition. If I hear someone is trying to beat me, I'm going to try to beat them twice as hard."

Your 2024 WNBA All-Star MVP Arike Ogunbowale #WNBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/WsFd7mKPsZ

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) July 21, 2024

After scoring zero first-half points, the Dallas Wings star erupted for 21 third-quarter points, including 5-7 shots from beyond the arc. In true Arike fashion, the guard sauced up several guards with highly contested shots. Ogunbowale's 34 points were the most points ever scored in an all-star game, and the guard was extremely humble prior to the big matchup. Not one guard could stop her, including Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, and Jewell Loyd.

In the post-game, Ogunbowale admitted that Team WNBA head coach Cheryl Miller "called her out at halftime." In front of everyone, Miller told her, "Just take a deep breath and play your game," said Ogunbowale. "I guess you guys saw what happened."

Under coach Miller, Nneka Ogwumike (14 points), Angel Reese (12 points), Allisha Gray (16 points), and Kelsey Mitchell (13 points) all contributed points in double figures. For Chicago Sky's Reese, she became the first rookie in WNBA history to tally a double-double, which included 11 boards. Able to snag rebounds over Brittney Griner and Alyssa Thomas, Reese continues to show why she's the WNBA leader in offensive boards.

Although Reese and Clark are known for being opponents on the court, a definitive moment gave fans a chilling glimpse of the level of talent these two players produce. Able to split the defense, Clark unselfishly found Reese in the paint with the dime bounce. Having only finished with four points, Clark tallied 10 assists, a rookie WNBA All-Star record. This comes a week after Clark became the single-game assist leader with 19 against the Wings.

Aside from calling Ogunbowale the best "one-on-one player in the league," Clark, without question, opted to remain on the bench while Arike continued her dominance. Although ready for a break, Clark seemingly enjoyed her first WNBA All-Star experience.

"I had a lot of fun just playing, enjoying the atmosphere, talking with people courtside," said

For Team USA, Breanna Stewart and showcased their dominance, scoring a combined 53 points. With Stewart leading the way with 31 points and 10 rebounds, Diana Taurasi tallied 14 points, including a game-starting trey for the hometown fans. With 37 points off the bench, Griner was the only other player to contribute points in double figures.

Heading into the Olympics, Stewart was quick to point out a lack of defense from Team USA. Committing 14 costly turnovers, the Olympic team once found themselves down by a 20-point deficit.

"Understanding that we just gave up 117 points is kind of crazy," said Stewart post-game. "We don't want to peak too soon, and we know we can improve on a lot. I speak for A'ja [Wilson] here. We're excited to get to London and really focus on this team and what our ultimate goal is."

Overall, the experience was jovial and eventful. With the popularity of WNBA live, the weekend festivities drew in several celebrities, including Aubrey Plaza, Pitbull, Sheryl Swoops, Shannon Sharpe, and others.

Following one of the most exciting WNBA All-Star weekends, Team USA will play Japan this afternoon, beginning at 3 p.m. EST. Starting Aug 1, the Women's National Team will suit up against Belgium, and Germany on Aug 4. The USA Women's National Team is seeking their eighth straight gold medal.

Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator, and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She focuses on Women's Basketball, both college and the WNBA, and currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area. SJ received her undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Connecticut, with a minor in business administration.

The post 2024 WNBA All-Star game shatters viewership records appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Allisha Gray, of the Atlanta Dream made history Friday night, crowned winner of the WNBA 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge at WNBA All-Star weekend.

PHOENIX- Prior to the WNBA events on Friday night, Allisha Gray continuously had the media in hysterics. She's made it clear she's visiting Disney World during Olympic Break. And when asked about the all-star game MVP, Gray responded, "I'm just here to have fun." In true Gray fashion, the guard remained humble as always. A woman of few words, little did the world know what she was about to accomplish.

Friday night at Footprint Center, Gray finished the evening a few bucks richer—well, $115,150, to be exact. For the first time in WNBA history, the 6-foot Atlanta Dream guard was crowned the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge winner. Gray joins Becky Hammon and Sabrina Ionescu as the only current and former players to win both contests throughout their careers.

Allisha Gray took home more than 62 percent of her salary

On the historic night, Gray donned nothing but smiles. Days before All-Star weekend, WNBA Players Association president Nneka Ogwumike announced that Aflac would supplement with a $55,000 bonus to the three-point contest and skills challenge winner. Indeed, a fantastic way to support women's basketball, Gray took home nearly 62 percent of her pay. She makes an annual salary of $185,000 and signed an extension with the Dream in 2023.

After the monumental performances, Gray told ESPN's Holly Rowe she may start a business with the extra earnings. "Now that I think about it, had a good nap. Maybe I'll go on a little golfing spree, shopping spree," said Gray.

As part of the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement (CBA), Gray earned a total of $5,150 from both events. As women's basketball evolves and grows, companies must continue to invest to increase the prize pool in future events.

Aflac made $110,000 in contributions to the winner of both events

Contributions from Aflac are a testament to the growth and direction of women's basketball, especially with the record-breaking viewership the league has seen just halfway through the season. Although the players were unaware of the contributions heading into the events, Ogwumike expressed her excitement and hope for future investors.

"I love that Aflac came in and stepped forward and really displayed their investment," said Ogwumike Friday afternoon. "They stepped in, and I think that's what's most important. We are in a very transformational and pivotal moment in women's sports, and I'm just really grateful to be actively experiencing it."

After all, the former Gamecock guard's Instagram handle is graytness_15. An avid gamer, her twitch name is the same. So how can you count out a player with "graytness" in their name?

Allisha Gray edged out Jonquel Jones 22-21 to win the 3-Point Contest

Phoenix Mercury's Sophie Cunningham, Brittney Griner, and Connecticut Sun's Mabrey Mabrina participated in the skills challenge. However, due to a global outage, Erica Wheeler could not participate (flight was cancelled), so Indiana Fever's Kelsey Mitchell stepped in. Not only did Gray take home the victory, but she also defeated two hometown favorites, Cunningham and Griner. Competitively, the skills challenge is a timed event used to showcase passing, shooting, and dribbling skills.

For the three-point contest, Gray competed with five total candidates— Jonquel Jones (New York Liberty), Stefanie Dolson (Washington Mystics), Marina Mabrey (Connecticut Sun), and Kayla McBride (Minnesota Lynx). Gray finished with 23 points, in which she sunk a deep Starry ball on the left hash. Jonquel Jones tallied 25, pushing herself into the final round against Gray.

Allisha Gray kicks off the 3-point contest with 23 points, including a deep starry shot!#WNBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/Yd73jzlhxT

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) July 20, 2024

The final round was as exhilarating as anyone could've expected. Although both were slightly cold from beyond the arc, Jonquel Jones had an opportunity to claim victory, except she fell one ball short. With seconds to go, Jones missed the final shot, which excited Gray to the fullest. At 22-21, it was at that moment Gray was declared the winner of the 2024 WNBA 3-Point Challenge.

Admitting she was "nervous" competing against Jones, Gray had her biggest supporters on the sideline. Notorious for sporting goggles during games, the Dream guard admitted they aren't for vision. However, best friend A'ja Wilson was seen hilariously donning the same goggles courtside. In addition, Dream co-owner Renee Montgomery was seen cheering her on all night.

Gray jokes dinner is on her, as long as her team plans it

Post-event, Gray comedically told the media she's still a "cheap person." However, in light of her earnings, the next dinner is on her.

"I got them, dinner on me," said Gray. "They just gotta let me know early... because I'm still a very cheap person. For my team, yeah, they have to plan it, I'll just pay the bill."

In her 8th WNBA season, Gray will make her second all-star selection for the second consecutive year. Although it's been a trying year for the Dream, especially with injuries, Gray remains the leading scorer for Atlanta, putting up 15.6 points per game. The 2017 Rookie of the Year, there's a possibility she could make history tonight, possibly winning the All-Star MVP.

If you're looking to watch the 2024 WNBA All-Star game, Team USA will matchup against team WNBA. Set to tip off at 8:30 EST, the event will air on ESPN.

Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on Women's Basketball, both college and the WNBA, and currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post WNBA All-Star: Allisha Gray makes history, wins 3-Point Contest, Skills Challenge appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Reese, drafted by the Chicago Sky no. 7 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is the only rookie to average a double-double on the season.

To all the critics who doubted Angel Reese, rest assured she's meant for this league. Not only is she destined to become a star in the WNBA, she made history this afternoon. With some worried about how exactly the forward's game would translate to the professional league, today was more than enough proof that she's poised to be one of the greatest ever to grace the game. Reese continues to make headlines this afternoon with her fashion expertise, swag, and confidence. And that confidence has translated into poetry on the court.

In the Chicago Sky's camp day 83-72 victory over the Dallas Wings, Reese finished with a career-high 18 rebounds and 16 points. Accompanied by two steals, "Chi-Town Barbie" became the first rookie in WNBA history to record seven straight double-doubles. Eight of those 18 boards came on the offensive end, leading to Chicago's 48-22 dominance in the paint. Her colossal game on the rebounds came just a week after she scored a career-high 20 points against the Connecticut Sun. +17 on the floor, Reese added three assists, and shot 7-13 from the floor.

Sure, the Dallas Wings are dealing with multiple injuries however, head coach Latricia Tramell chose to display a bigger lineup today.

With Natasha Howard back in the lineup on a minutes restriction, Reese had a field day in the early matchup. And she did so against Howard, Monique Billings, Teaira McCowan, Morgan Bertsch, and Stephanie Soares—the third-leading team in rebounds per game (35.8). For the record, not one of those front-court players is listed below 6 foot 2. Her monumental performance was truly a testament to who Reese is, especially against a Dallas team that ranks second in the league in paint points. It's a tough task to win in the WNBA, let alone rebound over women who are 6 foot 5 and above.

Angel Reese makes WNBA history by having her seventh consecutive game with a double-double the rookie record was held by Tina Charles previously pic.twitter.com/Jy653XSBCd

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) June 20, 2024

In fact, in her post-game interview, she admitted she watched a lot of films about Dallas. Always up for the "dirty work," Reese expressed her desire to do so.

"I'll step in, I'll mess up my nails, lashes, and stuff like that, just for my teammates," said Reese in a social media post by the Chicago Sky. "I'm willing to do whatever for this team." She represents attributes every team would wish for in their franchise start, heart, grit, hustle, and so on.

She now enters into a conversation with historic athletes who paved the way for women's basketball. Some of the greats to ever step foot on the court--- Sylvia Fowles, Elena Delle Donne, and Candace Parker, to name a few. On pace to break Fowles's season offensive rebounding record, Reese has nothing but praise for the women who were the early trailblazers in women's basketball. Third in the league in rebounds, Reese leads the entire WNBA with 68 offensive rebounds. That puts her ahead of some of most elite--- A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Alyssa Thomas.

Reminding the broadcasters she has a close relationship with Fowles, Reese doubled down on her desire to win.

"I just want to do whatever it takes to win, and rebounding is what I do to win," said Reese postgame.

With her seven-straight double-double, Reese is off to a historic rookie season, chasing Fowles for the record at just 22 years old. With 11 rebounds at the half, the Baltimore native broke previous double-double records set by Cindy Brown and Tina Charles. Averaging 12.4 points and 10.8 rebounds on the season, she's the only rookie to average double figures this season. With the unfortunate injury news to Cameron Brink, she's now set herself far apart in the rookie class.

Angel, you gotta stop. Your game too tough. Your swag too different. #skytown pic.twitter.com/dx6VoLeXlg

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) June 20, 2024

The Sky was previously riding a four-game skid before today, marking losses against the Dream, Sun, Mystics, and Fever. Reese and her teammates gave the younger fans something to cheer about in the first of Chicago's annual Camp Day games. Not new to the league, Camp Day allows kids to attend an WNBA game, perhaps for the first time. A glimpse at their favorite players is special on this day, as it is crucial for the exposure and excitement of women's basketball at a young age. With thousands of children in attendance, Reese was ecstatic to receive the victory when asked about her personal performance.

"Man, I'm just happy we finally won," Reese told ESPN. "I'm excited to be in this league, and win some more."

Second behind Caitlin Clark in points, Reese leads the entire rookie class in rebounds per game (10.8), charity stripe attempts and makes, field goal attempts and makes, and steals. She's certainly making her case for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award.

While much chatter has surrounded other players, we can't forget Reese, a bonafide national champion and four-year star at LSU under head coach Kim Mulkey. Drafted alongside Gamecock legend Kamilla Cardoso, many wondered how the college rivals would fit in Teresa Weatherspoon's front court. While there are contentious times with the media, she continues to put up impressive numbers night in and night out.

Standing at 6 foot 3, Reese also put up a double against the Fever, Mystics, Sun, Dream, and Liberty. Out of those seven games, three of those teams are in the top five in terms of rebounding. Today, we saw relentless aggression to rebound and put back several second-chance opportunities. A consistent mid-range or outside jumper would make Reese a triple threat.

Admitting she's excited to grow on ESPN, she's a genuine candidate for rookie of the year, and keeps dominating the only way she knows how--- with winning plays.

Improved to 5-9 on the season, Reese and the Chicago Sky will take on the Indiana Fever at home, Sunday evening.

Related story

Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the Women's Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration

The post Angel Reese makes WNBA double-double history appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

The 2024 3x3 Olympic roster will feature Cameron Brink, Cierra Burdick, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith.

USA Basketball has announced it's starting 2024 Women's National 3x3 team. Headlined by Cameron Brink, the roster will include Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick. Selected by the committee, the Olympic Games will take place in Paris. And what a complete, dominant, and versatile roster this will be.

One year ago, Brink, Van Lith, and Burdick led USA to a gold medal in the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. With a combination of veteran and youthful leadership, the chemistry will only improve. For Van Lith and Burdick, they've shared the court since the 2022 World Cup.

And watching the player's reactions to their calling was a deeply emotional experience on social media.

Brink, 22, was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2024 WNBA Draft. A four-year player out of Stanford, Brink is averaging 8.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in her rookie year. Known for her defensive prowess, Brink has certainly not disappointed at the pro level. Second in the WNBA in total blocks (21), No. 22 leads all rookies in that category and ranks third in rebounds among rookies. Brink is one of the most elite rim protectors in the league, leading the pack in defensive rebounds per game. Averaging 2.6 blocks per game, Brink's defense will be critical, especially in a 3x3 type play.

Scoring a career-high 21 points against the Fever last week, the Stanford alum was named the 2023 3x3 FIBA World Cup MVP after leading her team to a Gold Medal. Additionally, she was a member of the 2018 FIBA U17 and 2019 U19 Women's World Cup teams. In bringing dexterity on the offensive end, Brink is a floor spacer who can not only shoot beyond the perimeter but post-up opponents as well. The x-factor will be her ability of grab the offensive boards.

Jennifer Rizzotti, President of the Connecticut Sun, is set to coach the 2024 USA 3x3 Women's Basketball team. This week, Rizzotti expressed her excitement in a press release:

“I say this all the time but there is no greater privilege than to represent the USA at the Olympics,” said Rizzotti. “We understand that challenge in front of us as we face tremendous talent and experienced 3x3 teams. I am confident this roster gives us what we need to compete for another gold medal with experience, versatility and a commitment to USA Basketball excellence. I cannot wait to get started.”

USA Women's advance to the @fiba3x3 World Cup Final after defeating China in semifinal play. The ladies will compete against the winner of France vs Australia. #3x3WC @usab3x3 pic.twitter.com/MizZxyrvQh

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) June 4, 2023

For Van Lith, it's been a wavering year for the guard. Having spent her first three years with Louisville, the Washington native took her talents to Baton Rouge to chase a National Championship under coach Kim Mulkey. Unfortunately, the LSU Tigers fell short of that goal against Iowa in the Elite 8, and Van Lith experienced playing a position outside her comfort zone. Surrounded by Angel Reese, Aneesah Morrow, Flau'jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams, Van Lith took on a less prominent role.

Now, with one year left of eligibility, Van Lith officially declared her transfer to TCU for her final collegiate season. A remarkable scorer, the guard averaged 19.7 points per game, which ranked her no. 24 in the nation in 2022-2023 with Louisville. Named All-ACC player at Lousiville, Van-Lith has a total of five gold medals between 5-on-5 and 3x3 games. Suitable for 3x3, Van Lith has the ability to score in a multitude of ways.

Howard, selected No. 1 overall in the 2022 WNBA is now in her third season with the Atlanta Dream. One of the more dominant guards in the league, Howards been a two-way force, and will leave opponents checking their ankles. A two-time All-Star, the 6 foot 2 guard is just 24 years old. Having taken place in training camp earlier this year, the Dream guard shined in Belgium. Out of the entire roster, Howard has the most versatility, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Howard is coming off a double-double, and five-steal performance, against the Chicago Sky on Saturday.

This block felt PERSONAL!!! @cameronbrink22 @FIBA3x3 pic.twitter.com/uvyTAUsAPS

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) July 2, 2023

No stranger to USA Basketball, Burdick has been part of USA Women's Basketball since 2009. The former Tennessee Lady Vol played 56 professional games played in the WNBA, as a member of the six teams. A mix of veteran leadership and skills, Burdick has won three gold medals throughout her illustrious USA Olympic career. With extensive experience in 3x3 basketball, Burdick was a member of the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup team, and a gold medalist in 2014.

According the USA Basketball, different than 5-on-5,?3x3 is played on a half-court with a 10-minute game clock and 12-second shot clock. Play is continuous, as teams "clear" the ball behind the 2-point line following a made basket, defensive rebound or steal. The first team to score 21 points via 1-point field goals or 2-pointers behind the arc is victorious; or if time expires then the team leading wins. It also helps, she has a longstanding relationship with coach Jen Rizzotti.

The 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games back in 2021. An exciting yet challenging style of basketball, Rizzotti and company will make their Paris debut in late July, early August.

Stay tuned for more WNBA-related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the Women's Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post 2024 USA Women's 3x3 Olympic roster is set: ?Brink, Burdick, Howard, Van Lith appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

A'ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu are named the WNBA players of the week

MVP Periodt and the Queen of Brooklyn are making WNBA headlines.

of the Las Vegas Aces and Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty have certainly left their mark, both on and off the court. Once rivals in the 2023 WNBA Finals, they have been named Eastern and Western Conference players of the week.

Ionescu has a signature shoe with Nike and debuted the Sabrina 2s last month. Coincidentally, around the same time, Wilson announced her own shoe, the Nike A'One. Set to debut in 2025, Wilson joins Ionescu as one of three active WNBA players with their own signature shoe.

Less than two months into the season Wilson and Ionescu are having significant impacts on their team's overall performance.

Although Wilson is a two-time WNBA Champion, MVP, and defensive player of the year, she simply still hasn't forgotten that one fourth-place MVP voter. Rightfully so, she continues to clap back at the doubters through her performance on the hardwood.

The current favorite to win the WNBA MVP, Wilson averaged 28.5 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists last week from May 27 to June 2. In addition, the former Gamecock was named Western Conference Player of the Month for a historic ninth time and fourth in a row. The streak leader is Tina Charles, who currently plays for the Atlanta Dream.

A'ja Wilson is once again performing at an MVP level

Off to a blistering start, the Aces star added eight blocks and three steals in both matchups against the Atlanta Dream and Minnesota Lynx.

4-2 on the season, Becky Hammon and the Aces suffered a rare 78-74 against the Dream on the road. However, how can we forget Wilson's unforgettable block on good friend Allisha Gray? It may not have traveled into the concession stand but was a statement block.

On pace for another historical season, Wilson started off the season with five straight double-doubles, owning the longest streak of 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in WNBA history. The league leader in blocks with 12.4, Wilson boasted 29 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and four blocks against the Lynx. And a few days later, she put up 28 points, three assists, one steal, and four blocks against the Dream. Over the two games, Wilson shot 46.1 percent from the field.

Earning the weekly award for the 17th time in her career, Wilson has elevated her game significantly. Through six games into the 2024 season, the Aces star is averaging career-highs in points (26.5), rebounds (12.5), and blocks (2.8). Leading the league in player-estimated impact, Wilson is already poised as one of the all-time greats ever to grace the game.

Ionescu, now in her fifth season with the New York Liberty, was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the sixth time in her career. With an 8-2 record on the season, the former Oregon Duck led the Liberty to three consecutive victories over the Phoenix Mercury, Washington Mystics, and Indiana Fever. In that week span, Ionescu averaged 20.7 points, six assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game.?Additionally, she shot an impressive 42.6 percent from long range.

The leader in three-pointers last season, the guard has now tied the New York Liberty record for most consecutive games with at least one three-pointer(35 games). While we know Ionescu as a sharpshooter, her interior presence has been well documented. Stating she's worked on her game tremendously this past offseason, we are witnessing an increased presence of floaters and inside attacks.

Sabrina Ionescu's game has evolved beyond the three-point shot

Nearly 21 percent (31) of Ionescu's 146 field goal attempts have been delivered as driving layups and floating bank shots. Compare this to last year, where she only attempted 17 floater shots. More confident than ever, the California native averages the most points since her rookie season, with 17.9 points per game. Given she only played three games in her first season, it's a testament to the dedication, growth, and evolution of her game.

Ionescu started off the week with a game-high 22 points, six rebounds, and nine assists against the Phoenix Mercury at home. According to Liberty PR, ?Ionescu became the first player in franchise history to record double-digit points with at least five assists in a single quarter (10 points and five assists).

Just a few days later, No. 20 poured in 24 points, one rebound, three assists, on 50 percent three-point shooting against Washington at the Barclays. To end the week, the former Oregon star put up 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists in front of 17,000+ fans against the Indiana Fever.

The Las Vegas Aces (4-2) are set to match up against the Dallas Wings, Seattle Storm, and Los Angeles Sparks this week. The New York Liberty defeated the Chicago Sky 88-75 on Tuesday night, and will matchup with Atlanta, Connecticut, and Washington later this week.

Stay tuned for more WNBA related articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the Women's Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

The post WNBA players of the week: A'ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Tune into Episode 9 of the Cook it and Book it Podcast, sponsored by Ballislife, as hosts Sara Jane Gamelli and Looch start things off by analyzing the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics. They then take a dive into the WNBA, catch up on the latest news, rookie standouts, and give their best betting predictions for May 31.

(0:00-2:00): In the opening segment, Sara Jane and Looch break down their topics for the show: NBA Finals preview and WNBA bets and news. Both hosts will take a deep dive into the NBA Finals during episode 10.

(2:01-14:00 In the next segment, Sara Jane and Looch discuss the Dallas Mavericks/Boston Celtics NBA Finals matchup and the opening odds. This includes game one and Finals MVP odds.

(14:00-21:00) Sara Jane and Looch break down the recent WNBA news. This includes the new Unrivaled League, created by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.

(21:00-35:50) Both hosts break down their best WNBA bets for Friday, May 31.

(35:51-50:00): Looch and Sara Jane give their top WNBA standouts thus far.

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The WNBA officially announced its expansion to Canada on Thursday morning. Toronto, selected as the league's 14th team, will begin play in 2026.

It's official. After months of speculation, Canada is officially the home of the latest WNBA expansion team. Although Toronto was chosen as the next WNBA city, team president Teresa Resch made a very clear statement.

"This isn't just Toronto's team. This is Canada's team."

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced Thursday morning Toronto has been selected as the 14th team. The league's first international team, Toronto, is slated to begin its augural season in 2026. First reported by CBCSports Shireen Ahmed, the WNBA officially confirmed the news today.

“Bringing a WNBA team to Toronto represents an important milestone for our league as we continue to expand both domestically and outside the United States,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in an official press release.

The news doesn't come as a surprise. Along with the growth of women's basketball have come increased opportunities. In addition to charter flights, the league is continuing to broaden. While the 2024 rookie draft class is special, the rise of the WNBA has been well-documented for some time. The latest team arrives on the heels of the successful 2023 season. With the exceptional talent continuing to pour in, the WNBA needs more roster spots. The addition of expansion teams will only resolve that issue. One of the most competitive leagues in sports, the league only has 144 spots, which makes it difficult to accommodate all of the talent. It essentially boils down to supply and demand.

We’re excited about the growth of the league. The WNBA’s 14th team has been granted to the city of Toronto!

: @WNBA pic.twitter.com/xN15fao5XM

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) May 23, 2024

In a league-wide presser, Engelbert addressed the roster spot issues. Often referring to her economic model, the Commissioner has strong plans to build beyond Toronto and Golden State. In fact, she's set a goal to create nearly 48 roster spots and four additional teams by 2028.

Entering a new era, the WNBA saw record-breaking viewership and attendance. With viewers up 21 percent from the 2022 season, the league saw attendance increase by nearly 16 percent. Now in its 27th season, the league is soaring.

Poised for takeoff, the WNBA has been steadily growing over time. With the 2024 season just underway, the New York Liberty and Indiana Fever's matchup drew 1.71 million viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA game ever broadcast on ABC.

Although the team does not have a name, according to Raptors sideline report Savanna Hamilton, WNBA team president Teresa Ranch is opening to suggestions. In fact, she hopes the logo can "represent everyone and women strongly."

You heard it here first

Commissioner Engelbert has officially announced our exciting expansion to the 6ix

Welcome to the W, @WNBA_Toronto pic.twitter.com/NC5wJopwAF

— WNBA (@WNBA) May 23, 2024

“With Larry Tanenbaum’s distinguished record of leading successful sports franchises and Toronto’s appeal as a dynamic, diverse city that cares deeply about the game of basketball, we are confident that this new team will thrive as a first-class WNBA organization and become a great source of inspiration and support for the Toronto-area community and across Canada," said Engelbert.

With the historic news, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was present, along with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and Ontario Premier, Doug Ford.

Committed to growing the women's game, the team announced a new state-of-the-art training practice facility will be built. An issue in years past was that many players didn't even have names on their lockers. In addition to Toronto, Seattle and Las Vegas have invested heavily in their players with state of the art practice facilities. It's only a matter of time where every athlete get's the proper training and recovery centers in the league.

Women's sports is here, and it's only expected to rise. In fact, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has officially declared May 23 as WNBA Day in Toronto. After the arrival of Engelbert, the league has only been on the rise. Negotiating the CBA, adding charter flights, and expanding the league to two new cities- the future is bright for the WNBA. It may not be perfect, but changes are happening.

Fans who wish to buy season-tickets can do so by placing a deposit at WNBA.com/Toronto.  

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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

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After 16 seasons, the 3x WNBA Champion announced her retirement from the league. Now, with the WNBA season starting, she's been named President of Women’s Basketball at Adidas. More about her career and reactions from players and coaches around the league.

Three-time WNBA Champion Candace Parker sent shockwaves across the basketball world when she announced her retirement from the league. Promising she'd never "cheat the game," Parker is ready for the next chapter of endeavors in her life. In doing so, the former WNBA Champion is leaving the game in a better place and going out on her terms. While some athletes opt for a retirement tour, Parker ended her career in private. The former WNBA MVP is going out the same way she entered the league, with her daughter Lailaa.

All business aside, her top priority remains being a mom and wife.

In a heartfelt post on social media, the WNBA veteran had two words, "I'm retiring." And for all the current and new players entering the league Parker had a short piece of advice, "enjoy it."

Having spent 16 years in the league, Parker, best known as "ACE," revolutionized the game of basketball. One of one, Parker will surely be missed on the court.

Before the announcement, Parker announced she would return to the Las Vegas Aces in February. After signing a one year-deal with the reigning champions, Parker was limited to just 18 games due to a fractured foot. Unable to return to the court, she watched on as the Aces were named back-to-back champions. A competitor her entire career, no. 3 made a decision that was best for her. Admitting rehabbing in the offseason "hasn't been fun," Parker's fractured foot simply hasn't cooperated to the fullest. Overall, she did remind us the ten surgeries she's had in her career.

For quite some time, Parkers been featured as a commentator and analyst with NBA on TNT, which includes NCAA Tournament coverage. Headlined by Shaquille O"Neal, the former NBA legend is a close mentor and friend to Parker.

And now, Parker lives out her new dream of entrepreneurship. Less than a week after retirement, Parker was named President of Women’s Basketball at Adidas. Although she won't physically be on the court, she will remain a key factor in elevating women's sports. The first woman to have her own "signature shoe" with the brand, Parker is now tasked with building the brands of current women Adidas Athletes. That list includes, but not limited to Aliyah Boston, Aaliyah Edwards, Alysha Clark, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Chelsea Gray, Erica Wheeler, Chiney Ogwumike, Kahleah Copper, and Nneka Ogwumike.

"I want to congratulate her as well on her new position with Adidas," said Dallas Wings head coach Latricia Trammell. "She actually has a seat at the table. Helping make those decisions of what's going on, not just being a mascot of Adidas. I think that's really big for her, and I know that she's going to continue to grow out game. It may not be on the court. She is definitely going to continue to grow our game."

Congrats, Candace Parker
The new President of Women's Basketball at Adidas!

@DUNKC0MP pic.twitter.com/3UoIRJVHYr

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) May 8, 2024

Although she's stepped away from the hardwood, the former WNBA champion remains involved with the league. Featured in the newest SKIMS' Fits Everybody underwear campaign, Parker was featured in a series of photoshoots, alongside with her former teammate Kelsey Plum.

In her 16 years, Parker's had a profound impact on the league. She's had to opportunity to play alongside some of the WNBS greats: Nneka Ogwumike, Kahleah Copper, A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, just to name a few. After heading home to win her second championship with the Sky, Parker had significant influence on then Chicago guard, Kahleah Copper.

"Being in Chicago, I had Candace Parker," Copper said in a league wide zoom interview. "I was able to learn how to continue to grow-- even after being a winner."

Growing up, I started idolizing Parker since I was just a teenager. Watching her, Diana Taurasi, and others fueled my passion for basketball at young age, which has only strengthened over time. Similar to Parker, I indeed to "fell in love with a little orange ball at 13 years old." It wasn't very often Parker matched up with UConn. But when she did, I figured out a way to get to downtown Hartford, Connecticut.

The legendary battles between Coach Pat Summitt of the Tennessee Vols and Coach Geno Auriemma of the Huskies are permanently etched in my memory. Even though I grew up as a UConn fan, there were many great aspects about Parker that left a profound impact on me. Her love for the game, professionalism, and authenticity. It didn't matter that Parker didn't choose UConn as her first choice. As someone who bleeds blue, I loved the way she captured and changed the game.

A generational talent, there's only ever been one Candace Parker to leave the mark she did on women's basketball. The first woman ever to dunk in NCAA tournament history, she did it twice. In fact, I'll never forget her first WNBA dunk as a member of the Los Angeles Sparks just weeks after I graduated high school. Although she didn't face the Huskies often, who can forget the famous Parker "slam dunk in Hartford."

The McDonald's All-American's famous dunk is one that set the stage for her career. Appearing on ESPN, Parker competed against several future legendary NBA players, including Rudy Gay, Josh Smith, and J.R. Smith, among others. In fact, she was the first woman ever to win the co-ed 2004 jam fest.

Because of the former Lady Vol, I developed a deep love for sports and Women's basketball as a whole. Now, following her retirement announcement, I'm writing a column about her illustrious career. She's forever known as a trailblazer in women's basketball; however, she's much more than just a hooper. A businesswoman, mom, wife, analyst, astute broadcaster and analyst, are just a few of her many designations. I even made the trek to visit the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame just prior to the pandemic.

A Naperville native, Parker was recruited out of high school by the late Pat Summitt and the Tennessee Lady Vols. Opting to play for Summitt over coach Auriemma and the Huskies, Parker led the Vols to back-to-back National Championship titles in 2007 and 2008. At 6-foot-4, the former Lady Vol primarily played the four and five. However, she was most known for her versatility. Not defined by a position, Parker. Not only was she the first collegiate woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game, she threw down twice in a single game.

Drafted no.1 overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2008 draft, Parker went on to spend the next 13 years of her career with the Sparks. The only player to win both the Rookie of the Year and MVP Award in 2008, Ace shot a career-high 42.3 percent from deep. Listed as a power forward, I'll forever remember her post moves and ability to play any position. Considering how many forward forwards and and centers are able to shoot outside the arc now a days, Parker set that tone. No matter what position, she introduced and manifested positionless basketball.

Back in 2008, I'll never forget her astonishing rookie debut against the Phoenix Mercury. A rookie, straight from Pat Summits system, single handedly defeated the defending champions. In a box score full of various statistics, the rookie finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one block. From that day on, Parker played the game how she knew, regardless of her height. The ability to play one through five, along with her rookie impact, crowns her as one of the best to ever play the game.

Her passing ability, athleticism, rebounding--Parker could bank a shot anywhere on the court. She's truly a player that could "do it all." Although the Las Vegas Aces acknowledged "the majority of her career was played in opposing uniforms," the Aces released a genuine statement:

The dunks. The dimes. The boards. The blocks. The smile. The swagger. The memories Candace Parker created for a generation of women’s basketball fans will remain ingrained in our collective conscience forever, but she has given so much more to the game beyond her accolades and statistics."

Candace Parker was the first and only WNBA player to win ROOKIE OF THE YEAR & MVP in the same season!!

She led rookies in scoring (18.5), blocks (2.3) & minutes and led the league in rebounds (9.5) & double-doubles.pic.twitter.com/5xHQWOjBrD https://t.co/FBrlhNWhiZ

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) April 9, 2024

It wasn't until 2016 where Parker won her first WNBA championship, alongside Nneka Ogwumike, Chelsea Gray, and Kristi Toliver. The finals MVP, Parker is the only player in WNBA history to win a championship with three different teams: The Sparks in 2016, the Chicago Sky in 2021, and the Las Vegas Aces in 2023. Throughout her illustrious career, she has several accolades. That list includes the following, but not limited to: 2x MVP, 7x All-Star, All-Star game MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the year, 3x WNBA Champion, blocks leader, rebounding leader, and 7x All-First team.

Speaking of defense, Trammell was an assistant coach at the same time Candace Parker won Defensive Player of the Year Award. A defensive minded coach, Trammell reflected on CP3's career and her time with Los Angeles in a league wide press conference.

"I think she's a legend," said Trammell. "She set that standard early on. Just what I've seen her do-- helping the rookie along the way. She was definitely one that you would want to go talk to, to see how it's done."

In addition, Parker was named to the 20th and 25th anniversary teams, and had quite the career overseas. A 5x Russian League Champion and Olympic gold medalist, Parker is walking away from game giving it everything she had.

"I'm grateful for the 16 ears I PLAYED A GAME for a living time & DESPITE all the injuries, I hooped," Parker wrote on her personal Instagram. "I'm grateful for family, friends, teammates, coaches, doctors, trainers & fans who made this journey so special."

Thank you Candace for all of the memories, on and off the court. Not only was CP3 a role model on the court, she's showing the world you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Those endeavors go well beyond the basketball court.

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles.

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Manager at Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

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Stanford's beloved head coach Tara VanDerveer announced her retirement after 38 seasons. Stanford announced their long-time women's basketball coach will work with Stanford's Athletics department in an "advisory capacity."

The Women's basketball world said goodbye to the best to ever coach the game. Late Tuesday evening, Stanford announced their longtime coach will be hanging up her playbook. Tara VanDerveer, 70, became the NCAA's all-time winningest coach earlier this year. With 1,216 wins, she will step back from the game she coached for over four decades.

Related Article: Tara VanDerveer is now the winningest coach in NCAA history

A Massachusetts native, VanDerveer turned to coaching after playing basketball for the University of Albany and Indiana. Less than five years after her collegiate career, Tara VanDerveer was named head coach of Idaho University for two seasons. After becoming the head coach of Ohio State University for five seasons, California called her home. In 1985 she was named head coach of Stanford University, where she was the women's basketball head coach for the next 38 seasons.

And 38 years later, VanDerveer is largely considered one of the pioneers who helped shape and pave the way in women's basketball. With dreams of playing basketball as a child, she became more than just a player. A legend in the basketball world, she leaves behind a legacy that is inspiring, and deeply impactful.

As for VanDerveer, she feels she "is leaving" the game in a great place, especially since women's basketball is in the greatest place it's ever been. Passing on the baton, VanDerveer said it's "exciting" to see where women's basketball is. Even as a young woman, she always saw the vision of women's basketball to where it is now.

Throughout her illustrious career, VanDerveer is a three-time NCAA Champion, with 14 Final Four appearances. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011, the Massachusetts native is a 15-time Pac-12 Champion, and five-time National Coach of the Year, who's coached several high-profile athletes. She coached several legendary stars, including Cameron Brink, Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike, Jennifer Azzi, Nicole Powell, and numerous others.

An NCAA Champion in 1990, 1992, and 2021, VanDerveer has a 1158-242 coaching record. In 38 seasons with the Cardinal, the long-time coach compiled a 1065-220 win/loss record.

Coach VanDerveer and the Cardinal fell short in this year's NCAA Tournament after they were bounced by NC State in the Sweet 16. VanDerveer retired just days after the tournament concluded, marking the end of an era for the Pac-12. While one of the most competitive conferences is dissolving after this season, Stanford will join the ACC next season.

Speaking of the ACC, VanDerveer firmly stated the conference change did not affect her retirement decision. If anything she felt it was a "motivator to stay," and anticipates the ACC will be a "great, great, league."

Wednesday afternoon, VanDerveer hinted at reasons why she decided to call it a career during a livestream:

"I felt it was time, VanDerveer told the media during the livestream. Although she is stepping down from coaching, she hopes to remain involved as an "ambassador" or "advisor" with the Stanford Athletics Department. Admitting she "retired 20 times" in her mind, VanDerveer stated her mom is 97 years old, and the game has "changed a lot over the last four years."

Coaching Women's basketball is a 24/7 job, between recruiting, meetings, and coaching. Even on vacation, VanDerveer dedicated every moment she had to coach.

As for her successor, former Stanford and WNBA player Kate Paye is likely to her place. Having spent the last 17 years as an assistant and assistant to coach VanDerVeer, Paye has extensive experience with the program. Having nothing but praise for Paye, VanDerveer described her as "brilliant" and "hardworking." If Paye is the successor, the Stanford Cardinal will start a new chapter in the ACC, without star Cameron Brink. However, junior forward Kiki Iriafen showed just how valuable she is to the program.

Leaving her legacy in Paolo Alto, Tara VanDeveer has forever changed the landscape of women's basketball. Now she gets to enjoy life after coaching, witnessing the sport she contributed to evolving, soar to new heights.

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles.

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

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In a historic outing, the South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 87-75 to capture the NCAA Women's Championship. South Carolina dominated in every way, from bench points to rebounds and defense. Iowa simply could not match their prolific three-pointer shooting and size.

One year ago, Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes knocked off South Carolina, ruining their perfect season in the Final Four. This time around, the Gamecocks were crowned champions, finishing a perfect 38-0 to finish out the season. Led by head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks cruised into the history books on Sunday. For Gamecocks sophomore guard Raven Johnson, she got the last laugh.

Defeating Iowa 87-75, the Gamecocks are just the 10th team in Women's NCAA history to finish with a perfect season. As for Dawn Staley, she's built a dynasty in her tenure as head coach of South Carolina. Since taking over for Susan Walvius in 2008-2009, she's led the Gamecocks to three national championships. What's even more impressive is the fact she's captivated three trophies over the last seven seasons. Over the last decade, she's coached 10 WNBA first-round picks, soon to be 11.

Heading into the biggest game of the year, Staley was in attendance for the UConn vs. Iowa game. She had the perfect plan all along on how to perfectly utilize every single player on her roster. She figured out a way to stop the most prolific scorer in NCAA history, Caitlin Clark, which speaks volumes in itself. In a highly anticipated matchup, Staley brilliantly mapped out her masterful scheme to attack the Hawkeyes on the boards and utilize depth and size to crush them.

Although the 2022-2023 squad finished with a 36-1 record, it was a tough task to fill those shoes in the offseason.

Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks made history

Not only did South Carolina finish their first undefeated season in program history, but Staley is the first black Division 1 basketball coach, men's or women's, to lead her team to a perfect season. In doing so, Staley fully reconstructed her roster after losing all five of her starters--Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke,?Laeticia Amihere,?and?Victaria Saxton to the 2023 WNBA Draft.

Johnson was the subject of several memes and viral highlights after she was disrespected in their last matchup. In last year's Final Four, Clark waved off Johnson, leaving her wide open at the three-point line. While Johnson had the opportunity to shoot the trey ball, she passed up the rock. After that matchup, Johnson confessed to watching the film over 100 times.

One year removed from the March Madness tournament, Johnson found herself as the primary lockdown defender on Caitlin Clark, Although Johnson struggled on the offensive end, she was tasked with guarding the Iowa sensation. Clark shot just 5-21 from the field when defended by Johnson. After she finished with 18 first-half points, coach Staley called for a change. She switched out Bree Hall on Clark, for Johnson. A menace on the defensive front, Johnson finished with four steals and two blocks. She understood her assignment, which was arguably the hardest task of anyone on the team.

Before the game, Johnson had a simple game plan in mind, "don't let her [Clark] score." She took the loss personally last year and had some words about her defensive approach:

"I was ready for the moment and take defense very hard, said Raven Johnson. "I studied her moves[ Caitlin Clark], and I was ready--I had confidence this year, and I was telling myself last year wasn't going to happen again."

Caitlin Clark was smothered by Raven Johnson

In the end, Clark couldn't lead her team to a National Championship, finishing with 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, on 10-28 shooting from the floor. Falling to win a championship for the second consecutive year, let's not take away from coach Lisa Bluder and the exceptional work she's put into the Iowa program. While Clark headlined the entire season, it was the story of her teammates, and her friends, that made the Iowa program so great. Sophomore Hannah Stuelke who's a rising star, had 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in the championship game.

With South Carolina chosen as heavy favorites entering the championship game, it was Iowa that held a 27-20 first-quarter lead. After an early 10-0 run, starting with a Kate Martin trey ball, the Hawkeyes looked untouchable and unbeatable. It wasn't until Te-Hina Paopao's three-point jumper that sent South Carolina in front with 27 seconds left in the second quarter. After commanding a 49-47 first-half lead, the Gamecocks never looked back. Paopao, who transferred to South Carolina for this very moment, finished with 14 points, on 75 percent three-point shooting. She announced her return to Columbia for next season.

Kamilla Cardoso had a career night on the boards

With defensive player of the year Kamilla Cardoso the anchor for South Carolina, it was the bench that grabbed the spotlight. Having one of the deepest rosters in the nation, the bench added 37 points for Staley and the Gamecocks. While the scoring was evenly distributed throughout the 10-player roster, it was the freshman who shined through.

Minnesota native Tessa Johnson was recruited by Staley to produce off the bench in her first season. A 6'1 guard, Johnson had a season average of 6.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. In 35 games played, she earned the starting nod just two times for Staley and the Gamecocks. Although her minutes and scoring remained inconsistent for a great part of the season, Johnson has been a staple for the Staleys stay-ready group off the bench.

However, it's clear the freshman guard was recruited for a reason, and eventually earned coach Staley's trust. As the NCAA tournament progressed, so did her contributions to the team. After a season-high 30 minutes played against Presbyterian in the first round, the former McDonalds All-American continued to show why she's such a valuable asset to this squad. She finished with a combined 26 points against UNC in the Sweet 16, and Oregon State, in the Elite Eight. The trust was there for Johnson to earn 25 minutes of playing time against Iowa, and she shined in the biggest stage.

South Carolina's freshmen stole the show

And what a career night it was for Tessa Johnson. In front of the entire nation, and 18.9 million viewers, the freshman put up a career-high 19 points on 7-11 (63.6 percent) from the floor, and 3-6 (50 percent) from beyond the arc. Let's call it the "Tessa Johnson effect." In transition, or inside, Johnson was a bucket.

For Dawn Staley, her rotations were set for this matchup. While Iowa's bench didn't produce a single point, the Gamecocks capitalized on that. For freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley, she proved why she's the next generational talent. At 5'10, she possesses the quickness, speed, and finesse that no other athlete has proven in the game. In 18 minutes, she added nine points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and one block.

Overall, all of Staley's players had a crucial role in the Championship game. Running double bigs with Cardoso and Chloe Kitts was brilliant, as Iowa was a bit undersized. Ashlyn Watkins, Sania Feagin--everyone had a piece of the pie. It was the overall collaborative effort that impressed me the most. While it's normal for coaches to shorten their rotations during championship moments, Staley put the nation on full display who in fact plays for her.

As for Kamilla Cardoso, she certainly increased her draft stock on Sunday. Declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft as a senior, center shined, even while battling an injury. It was in the Final Four matchup, where she injured her knee against NC State. Although she received treatment, Cardoso made sure the injury didn't stop her from competing in the biggest moment.

South Carolina Gamecocks were too powerful in depth and size

The bottom line, the Iowa Hawkeyes weren't able to match South Carolina's size, especially with Cardoso listed as 6'7. Cardoso has been a problem the entire season for opponents and showed exactly why in the title game. Although Staley managed her minutes to perfection, Cardoso finished with 15 points and a career-high 17 rebounds. While 10 of those came on the defensive end, seven helped the Gamecocks control the offensive boards and second-chance opportunities. South Carolina ultimately obliterated Iowa on the boards, 51-29.

Cardoso, named Most Outstanding Player, put it all on the floor in her last collegiate game. Adding three blocks and two assists, the Brazil native was simply getting it done on both ends of the floor. When Iowa continued to drive inside, Cardoso was there to lock it up. With several and one opportunities, not even Iowa standout Hannah Stuelke could stop her. Outscoring Iowa 48-32 in the paint, Chloe Kitts poured in a double-double as well, with 11 points, and 10 rebounds.

Sunday was the ultimate matchup between the most outstanding offensive in the nation (Iowa) vs. the top defense (South Carolina).

After the game, the tears were flowing for coach Staley. In a post-game interview with Holly Rowe, Staley stated "We serve an unbelievable god," before breaking down in tears. With all of the hard work she's put into the program, it's always been her relationship with her faith and God that's made all things possible this season.

Hats off to both teams. No matter what the outcome, the growth of both teams has shaped the future of women's basketball for years to come.

Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA-related?articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

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South Carolina rolls by NC State to reach their second NCAA Women's Championship game in three years.

You have to give credit where credit is due. Head coach Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks were expected to regress after losing a bulk of their starters last season. Instead, for the first time in program history, South Carolina finished undefeated on the year. A perfect 37-0, the no. 1 Gamecocks secured themselves a Final Four victory over no. 3 NC State Wolfpack. In attendance were former Gamecocks, Aliyah Boston and A'ja Wilson.

And now they are the first team to head to the NCAA Finals with an undefeated record for the first time since the UConn Huskies in 2016.

South Carolina entered this matchup as the heavy favorites by an 11.5-point spread after knocking off Presbyterian, UNC, Indiana, and Oregon State in the previous rounds. Leading the nation with a +29.3 point differential, they showed the basketball world just who they were on Friday.

In a post-game interview with Indiana Fever center on ESPN, Staley shared a heartfelt moment with her former player. While Boston was a staple of their championship run, it was Iowa that sent them packing in last year's Final Four. Stating how proud she is of the former Gamecock, she reiterated they want to seek redemption for Boston. Boston was a four-year player for Staley at South Carolina and was drafted No.1 overall by Indiana in the 2023 WNBA Draft.

"We're excited", Staley told ESPN's Aliyah Boston. "This is the place we wanted to be. We want to do it for you. We really want to take care of Sunday for you and the freshies because you gave basketball everything you had, and you came up short in your senior year."

The Gamecocks broke the game open in the third quarter

Tied 16 all in the first quarter, the Wolfpack kept the game relatively close, 32-31 at the have. While NC State had an incredible season, they truly never had a chance against the Gamecocks. Undefeated. Dominant. South Carolina steamrolled past another team in the tournament. Led by 6'7 center Kamila Cardoso, she finished with a game-high 22 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks, on 10-12 field goal shooting.

And just like that - GAMECOCKS UP 1⃣2⃣!! TIMEOUT NC STATE

@espn pic.twitter.com/1piImuZ1WN

— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) April 6, 2024

Heading into the third quarter, the Gamecocks turned on the Jets, outscoring NC State 29-6 in the third quarter. Yes, you heard that right, NC State scored just six points. Showing their defensive prowess, this team plays their best when they run plays on both sides of the ball through Cardoso. Aside from a pair of free throws, Wolfpack guard Aziaha James scored the lone bucket in the third quarter. NC State shot 1-11 as a whole in the third. In fact their 29 points in that quarter was the most scored in given period in Women's Final Four history.

Credit James, who finished with a team-high 20 points on 6-17 shooting. Although South Carolina put the clamps on her, James was the glue to their magical March Madness run. While Cardoso had a field day in the paint, it was more about the depth of South Carolina and their contributions off the bench.

Saniya Rivers, who won a title with South Carolina, transferred to NC State her sophomore year. This season, she averaged 12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. A main staple for their success, Rivers struggled, shooting just 2-11 from the floor with five turnovers.

Lucky for Staley, she had the luxury of resting Cardoso in the fourth quarter. This came after she suffered an apparent leg injury in the third quarter. Although she returned, the center donned a black leg sleeve for the rest of the matchup.

Staley built talent around Kamilla Cardoso

Speaking of the bench, it was Ashlyn Watkins who received heavy minutes of playing time. Standing at 6 foot 3, the guard became the first player in South Carolina women's basketball history to record a dunk in 2022 vs. Clemson. Showcasing her incredible vertical leap and spacing, Watkins grabbed 20 boards against NC State. South Carolina dominated NC State on the rebounds, 46-32.

A force on the inside, 15 of her 20 rebounds came on the defensive end. Limiting NC State to just 32.3 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from deep, it was securing defensive stops and rebounds which led to offensive opportunities. In addition to her enormous efforts on the glass, Watkins poured in eight points, one assist, and two blocks.

During that colossal third quarter, the Gamecocks missed only seven field goal attempts. It was third-year guard Raven Johnson who impressed the most. Initially headed to the locker room with an apparent injury, she came back to finish with 13 points, on 3-5 three-point shooting. A lockdown defender, Johnson added three steals and five assists on the night. She shot 4-5 from the floor in the second half.

SOUTH CAROLINA IS HEADED TO THE FINALS

The Gamecocks defeat NC State 78-59 and cover the -11.5 point spread pic.twitter.com/ibXdnTxQgG

— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) April 6, 2024

In a talented backfield, Senior transfer Te-Hina Paopao finished with 10 points on 2-5 three-point shooting. Dishing out six dimes, the guard hit 100 percent of her three-point shots in the third quarter. Up 21 points with seconds remaining, Bree Hall splashed a three to end the quarter. This shows beyond the talent and rim protection of Cardoso, there's a multitude of players that can step up at any given time. And the fact that Staley refuses to let off the gas shows how dangerous this team is.

South Carolina's bench produced 30 points

Although NC State outscored South Carolina 22-17 in the final quarter, Dawn Staley received 30 points from the bench alone. While freshman Milaysia Fulwiley struggled on the offensive end, she was a menace on the defensive side with four steals. I do believe she is a rising star and could become an X-factor in the championship game. Tessa Johnson, Fulwiley, Watkins, and Sania Feagin--they are such important members of this team.

Overall, the Gamecocks showed everyone their true selves. A physically dominant team on both sides of the ball that continues to hammer teams. The most complete team in the NCAA tournament, it's time we hand coach Staley her flowers. National champions in 2022 and 2017, this is Staley's sixth finals appearance since her first season as head coach (2008). One of the best coaches to ever grace the game, Staley is revolutionizing women's basketball.

We can't forget when Caitlin Clark waved off Raven Johnson in last year's Final Four victory over South Carolina. While Iowa destroyed their perfect season, Staley, the Naismith Coach of the Year, will look to build on the dynasty she's created in South Carolina.

Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA-related?articles.?Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration

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In an exhilarating Final Four matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and UConn Huskies, Iowa will play South Carolina in the NCAA Championship game on Sunday.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are headed to their second straight NCAA Women's Final.

Friday evening was an unforgettable matchup between the no. 1 Iowa Hawkeyes and no. 3 UConn Huskies. While headlines swirled around stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, it was the supporting casts that made the matchup so impressive. A blood bath until the end, Iowa defeated UConn 71-69 to advance to the NCAA Championship game vs. South Carolina.

Unfortunately, the matchup didn't come without controversy. Down by one point with less than 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, UConn center Aliyah Edwards was nabbed for the offensive screen against Gabbie Marshall. Foul or not, Marshall has excelled in drawing charges her entire career.

While it's generated buzz around social media, it was a call that secured the victory for Iowa. While Bueckers downplayed the call, the Huskies were cut short of a potential game tying bucket to win the game. No matter if the call was right or not, it was heart breaking for the Huskies.

pic.twitter.com/qvMbjaqmo3 https://t.co/CzNgZb69Ys

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) April 6, 2024

Visibly upset in the post-game conference, Geno Auriemma gave his thoughts on that final possession call.

There’s probably an illegal screen call that you could make on every single possession,” said Auriemma. “I just know there were three or four of them called on us. And I don’t think there were any called on them. So, I guess we just gotta get better at not setting illegal screens." (CBS Sports).

While there was scrutiny towards the referees for the end of gameplay, we can't let that take away from the brilliance between these two teams. A revenge game for Iowa, they were previously bumped from the Sweet 16 during Clark's freshman season by UConn. This time, Iowa coach Lisa Bluder and the Hawkeyes simply had too much chemistry and depth to slide by the Huskies.

UConn vs. Iowa made history

One for the history books, the highly anticipated Final Four matchup generated 14.2 million viewers on ESPN. According to the network, the viewership peaked at 17 million spectators, making it the most-watched Women's college basketball game in history. Per ESPN, it was the most-viewed college event to air on ESPN+, and ESPN's second-best non-football telecast ever.

Those incredible stats not only emphasize the importance of this match-up but also the growth and evolution of women's basketball. No matter what the outcome, this will go down as one of the most impactful matchups the game has ever seen.

All eyes have surrounded Caitlin Clark and her quest to pass Pete Maravich for the all-time NCAA scoring record. The nation-leading scorer passed Maravich for the record with 49 points against Michigan, making her the most prolific scorer of all time. Notorious for her lengthy three-point attempts, she struggled against the Huskies early on.

UConn entered the matchup as three-point underdogs, in large part due to injuries. With a six-player rotation, head coach Geno Auriemma knew the high possibility of foul troubles.

UConn put the clamps on Clark, yet her team shined

Up by a game-high 12 points, the Huskies defense was stifling. Forcing the Hawkeyes to turn the ball over 14 times, it was their defensive poise that kept the score close for most of the game. Clark was smothered by UConn guard Nika Muhl, limited to six points and zero three-pointers in the first half. Quick on their feet, Auriemma's defensive scheme was nothing short of incredible while guarding Clark. Heavily utilizing their double-team system, Clark was forced to pass up the ball on several occasions.

The Huskies are putting the CLAMPS on Caitlin Clark

UConn Leads 13-7 pic.twitter.com/IbxJhuiYCq

— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) April 6, 2024

After the game, Clark commented on UConn's defense, especially Nika Muhl, who held the Hawkeyes to 8-25 three-point shooting.

"UConn is a really good defensive team, one of the best defensive teams we’ve seen all year, said Clark. I think Nika did a tremendous job guarding me." (March Madness PR)

For the Huskies, freshman guard KK Arnold was largely responsible for their lead, as she finished with 14 points, on 6-10 field goal shooting. While Arnold compiled 5 steals, she entered foul trouble early on. Although the Wisconsin native never fouled out, her time off the court deeply impacted the Huskies.

UConn had limited depth and fell into foul trouble

Center Aliyah Edwards had no choice but to let some Iowa buckets slide due to foul trouble. However, she was a force for the Huskies on the defensive end, adding five steals and one block. Able to take advantage of the mismatches below, she finished with 17 points, and eight rebounds, on 8-15 shooting.

As for UConn star Paige Bueckers, she was bottled up by Iowa's box-and-1 defense, who has been in play all season. Over the matchup, Bueckers finished with just 17 points, on 7-17 field goal shooting. Just 3-8 from three-point range, the guard had trouble finding her rhythm on the offensive end. While it wasn't her best performance, the Hawkeyes forced Bueckers to pass up the rock. In this case, we saw UConn's impact of injuries and lack of experience come back to haunt them.

Ashlynn Shade, Ice Brady, and KK Arnold have been extremely influential as freshmen on this Huskies team. While Brady banked two massive shots towards the end of the game, Shade struggled from the three, hitting just 1-5 from deep. UConn was never supposed to be in this position, and having such success put enormous pressure on the freshman.

Although the Huskies were ultimately defeated, the future is very bright for these young players. How many coaches can say they led their team to the final four with three of their six players listed as freshman?

W.#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/pEAxsd2Nz9

— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) April 6, 2024

Iowa is headed to the NCAA Women's Final Championship for the second straight year

For Clark, she found herself and Iowa down by 32-26 at the half. And in true Caitlin Clark fashion, she stepped up when it mattered most. While the overall performance was uncharacteristic of her overall play, Clark finished with 21 points on 7-18 shooting. Adding in nine rebounds and seven assists, Clark was just 3-11 from deep.

The momentum began to shift with 3:49 remaining in the third quarter for Iowa. Down 44-42, Clark completed a four-point play after fouled at the three-point line by Shade. Tied 51-51, Clark sunk seven of her 21 points in the final quarter.

A close game until the final seconds, it was Nika Muhl who put up a bucket after compiling her third steal of that game. While the Huskies closed the gap to just one point, it was Sydney Affolter who came up with the colossal offensive board after a Clark miss at the charity stripe.

Iowa's Hannah Stuelke was the real mvp

Sure, Clark and Bueckers had significant effects on the game. However, for Iowa, it was the story of sophomore center Hannah Stuelke. Able to dominate in the paint, she finished with a team-high 23 points on 9-12 shooting. Arguably the best player on the court, her 11 third-quarter points brought the Hawkeyes back to life. Similar to a quarterback and their tight end, Clark and Stuelke have undeniable chemistry.

For Stuelke, it was all about aggressiveness and confidence. While she finished with one of the prime games of her career, it's the entire team that showed out.

"I think the confidence is everything," said Stuelke. "Especially hearing Caitlin Clark talk about me like that, it gives me a confidence boost. I think anyone would say that. But they just fed me the ball very well. The ball was going in for me tonight." (March Madness PR)

Overall, it was an impressive showing for two teams who had dreams of making the final stage. An overall effort by every single player on Iowa's roster, they will face South Carolina in the NCAA Women's National Championship game. While the Gamecocks remain undefeated, it was Clark and the Hawkeyes that ended their perfect run last season in the 2023 Final Four.

With tip-off slated for 3:00 p.m. ET Sunday, it will be a dogfight between South Carolina and Iowa for the National Championship. For Caitlin Clark and Kamilla Cardoso, they will see one more game in their collegiate uniforms.

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA-related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration

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UConn star Paige Bueckers is thriving more than ever, this time leading the Huskies to the NCAA Women's Sweet 16.

"We have the best player in America."

Those were confident words from Geno Auriemma on Monday night. And whom might he be referring to? Paige Bueckers, no. 5 for the Connecticut Huskies.

When it comes to sports, the stories behind the athletes on the court are often moving and emotional. For Paige Bueckers, she's been nothing short of inspiring. While women's basketball is filled to the brim with incredible storylines, we simply cannot forget UConn's brightest star and her journey back to the hardwood.

Talk about Paige Bueckers resilience and passion for basketball. This is her comeback narrative, driven by her faith and determination to return to the game. It's oftentimes not about the setback, but about the comeback.

Paige "Buckets" is back, and so are the UConn Huskies.

Bueckers, now technically in her third season with the Connecticut Huskies, is undoubtedly one of the most prevalent players in the nation. While she's an elite scorer and tenacious defender, the Minnesota native's been plagued by unlucky injuries. The former McDonald's All-American suffered a tibial plateau fracture in late December 2021 in which surgery was performed. Along with the fracture, Bueckers suffered a meniscus tear.

While many expected No. 5 to miss the bulk of the season, she made a miraculous, yet limited comeback in Feb. of 2022. Despite being restricted on the court, Bueckers fueled the Huskies through the 2022 NCAA Tournament. A team that once fell out of the AP top ten was destined to face the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2022 NCAA Championship game.

Although South Carolina barreled through UConn 64-49 for the championship title, it was the story of no. 5 and her persistence to return to the court. While the outcome didn't sway in the Huskies favor, Bueckers was the only player on the UConn roster to put up points in double figures.

How many players can claim they led their team to the championship game despite not being fully healthy? This is what sets Bueckers apart and makes her exceptional among the pack.

Paige Bueckers missed the entire 2022-2023 season

Unfortunately, that was the last time Bueckers would hit the floor for quite some time. Heading into her junior season, the guard suffered a torn ACL in the off-season. Having missed all of the 2022-2023 season, the Minnesota native spent the majority of the season cheering on her teammates from the sidelines.

Paige Bueckers' IG post about her torn ACL:

"It's gonna be one hell of a comeback...I’ve worked too hard for the little kid in these pictures to keep going for the dreams I've had since I first picked up the ball, so why would I stop now?" pic.twitter.com/f7lsyYQCiN

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) August 3, 2022

Despite missing Bueckers from the lineup, the Huskies managed to make the 2023 NCAA Tournament. However, for no. 5 it was a punch to the gut, especially since she wasn't available to play. After conceding to Ohio State 73-61 in the Sweet 16, the Huskies were once again eliminated from the tournament.

But for Bueckers, she was exceptionally emotional after their 77-58 victory over Baylor in the second round. Although UConn pulled off the victory, it pained her to watch from the sidelines. Bueckers wanted more than anything to contribute on the floor with her teammates. Not only does she love the game of basketball, but she bleeds blue. Her loyalty to UConn and coach Auriemma is unwavering.

"Last year against Baylor in the second round at home, I just remember going back in my car and just being very emotional," Bueckers told ESPN. "Not being able to play in this atmosphere, in this environment, and this high stakes game. I prayed about it."

While the journey back to the court hasn't been an easy task, Bueckers heavily leaned on her faith during hard times. Over a year of rehabbing her injury, the guard made her season debut against Dayton in late 2023.

Not only did no. 5 overcome such a tragic injury, but she elevated her game in a way that's turned heads across the basketball world. Despite the Huskies facing multiple injuries, including Azzi Fudd, it was Bueckers' moment to stand out.

And surely, she did so. Bueckers, who was recently named AP All-American, averaged a career-high 21 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks. In 36 total games, the UConn star shot an efficient 54 percent from the floor, and 41.8 percent from deep. The UConn star was recently named Naismith Player of the Year finalist.

It's been nearly two years since Bueckers appeared in a March Madness game

And 720 days later, Bueckers would take part in her first March Madness game since the South Carolina matchup. This comes after Bueckers sensation performance that led UConn to their fourth straight Big East Championship. In the blowout over Georgetown, the guard put up 27 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and five blocks.

In the Huskies first-round matchup against Jackson State, the guard finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one block. From there, UConn faced off against Syracuse in the round of 32. In front of an electric crowd at Gampel Pavilion, Bueckers was surely a bucket. Stepping up when it mattered the most, she matched a season-high 32 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, four steals, and one block.

Paige Buckets last 2 games

32 PTS, 11 REB, 6 AST, 4 STL (56% FG)
28 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST, 3 STL (58% FG)pic.twitter.com/sXDxzpENsV

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) March 26, 2024

While Syracuse cut the deficit to two points, Bueckers knew the moment was all hers. With 1:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, without hesitation, no. 5 sunk a contested mid-range jumper. At this moment, her shot put the Huskies in the lead, 67-63. From there, Bueckers was seen firing up the crowd at Gampel.

Not only did she lead the Huskies to their 30th straight Sweet 16, but it was also a sure sign of a dominant comeback. Paige Bueckers, a five-star recruit in 2020 was officially back. It was visible in her eyes, her body language, and in her tone. It's incredible moving to see the return of a player who was heavily plagued by injuries.

Bueckers has been lights out in this year's tournament

Following her first two matchups of the tournament, Buecker's energy is unmatched. With 60 points in the first two games, Bueckers is now the first player in nearly 25 years to put up a cumulative 60 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists. While she announced her return to UConn next season, she's laid everything out on the court for the Huskies. Amid questions if she could return to her freshman form, she never lost sight of her dreams and goals. For sure, optimism has gone a long way for Paige Bueckers, and all of the hard work that's been poured into her craft.

Bueckers had an inspirational journey back, and one that speaks to many. When you come to Storrs, Connecticut, you come to play for coach Auriemma, and you come to win. In the small town of Tolland County, Connecticut, Bueckers and the Connecticut Huskies will aim for their first championship of the 2016 season and nothing more.

Bueckers and company will face the Kara Lawson and the Duke Blue Devils in the Sweet 16. Scheduled for Mar. 30, tip-off will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles.

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

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Geno Auriemma and the UConn Huskies Women's basketball team defeat Georgetown 78-42 to earn their fourth straight Big East Tournament title. Riddled with injuries, the Huskies are ready for a NCAA Championship run.

It's not about the setback, it's about the comeback. This may be the year that the Connecticut Huskies women's basketball team shocks the world.

Out of the seven players available for the Big-East championship title, four of them are freshman.

Despite coach Geno Auriemma's playful comment that his team might be a bit "delusional," every player on the team has faith in their abilities, even amidst the challenges they've faced this year. After watching Saint Peter's make headlines in 2022, it's hard to count any team out, especially Connecticut.

The UConn Huskies are largely considered one of the most prolific programs in all of NCAA women's basketball, leading the way with 11 national championships. Led under coac h Auriemma, UConn hasn't won a title since 2016, and are two years removed from the championship finals loss against South Carolina. We can never forget how Paige Bueckers single handedly carried her team to the finals.

PAIGE BUECKERS scored 15 of her 27 PTS in the 2 overtimes to lead UConn to their 14th straight Final Four!

1st Half: 4 PTS (2/6 FG)
2nd Half: 23 PTS (8/9 FG)

VIDEO: @swishcultures_ pic.twitter.com/QkiqXkiKod

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) March 29, 2022

While Auriemma is among the most winningest coaches in Division 1 basketball, UConn's story is defined by their resilience and determination to overcome several injuries not only this year, but seasons past.

Prior to the start of the season, UConn was ranked no. 2 in the nation, by the Associated Press. With high hopes and expectations, the injuries piled up, reflecting a recurring unfortunate trend. Specifically the last few seasons, Auriemma and the Huskies have faced unfortunate circumstances beyond their control.

UConn is the definition of resiliency

This group has been all bout resiliency. After a turbulent 4-3 start, UConn suffered losses to NC State, UCLA, and Texas all within the first two weeks. They went on to win their next 25 of 27 matchups, and finished with nine straight victories, including the Big East Championship game. Perhaps, the motto for this year should be "impossible is nothing," by Nike.

Speaking of the Big East, more than 7,000 fans crowded Mohegan Sun Arena to watch Connecticut play against Georgetown for their 22nd Conference championship appearance. With a 25-9 season record, the Huskies faced a Georgetown team that made their first ever appearance in a Big East Conference championship game. Defeating the Bulldogs 78-42, the story mainly revolves around UConn's defensive prowess and discipline.

In all of Division 1 basketball, the Connecticut Huskies rank no 23 in the nation, tied with South Carolina in opponent points allowed per game (56.3).

Limiting Georgetown to just seven fourth quarter points, the Bulldogs finished shooting 11 percent from deep, and 32 percent from the floor. Not only did Connecticut play stellar defense along the perimeter, they crushed them on the boards and inside the paint. Forcing 17 turnovers, the Huskies starters combined for 12 total steals. In the backcourt, Buecker's and KK Arnold combined for seven alone.

Auriemma calls this team "remarkable"

For coach Auriemma, he's been at this a long time, having led the Huskies to 34 years of NCAA tournaments. Fighting back emotions at the end of the matchup, he admitted it's not easy winning in the month of March. While teams such as South Carolina and LSU remain the most dominant and spoke about, UConn's comeback year has been a bit under shadowed by all the excitement across women's hoops.

Doesn't matter who was available and who wasn't.

This was a full-team win pic.twitter.com/Uc4GMz14n2

— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) March 12, 2024

In just a few days, the Huskies had their share of challenges yet again. Despite Aliyah Edward's injury, they had a strong 86-53 win against Providence. Even without Edwards, they managed to defeat Marquette, holding them to just 29 points.

"Obviously, these have been three pretty interesting days," coach Auriemma said about the Big East Tournament. "The energy that it took to finish this off was really pretty remarkable. Couldn't be prouder of them." (UConn Huskies PR).

The Huskies were dealt several injuries this year

The focus has heavily been on Buecker's determination in returning to the hardwood after succumbing to several injuries over the years. With a strong connection to her faith, she returned to the court just 19 games following a meniscus tear, but suffered an ACL tear last season. Bueckers, who's the heart and soul of the Huskies, remained sidelined for the entire 2022-2023 season.

She had her healthiest season yet, ending her third year with a career-high 21.3 points and 1.4 blocks. Buecker excelled on both ends, averaging 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 2.7 assists. Through a career-high 34 games, she shot an impressive 53.8% from the field and 42.4% from deep. Buecker's stellar two-way performance continued in the Big-East championship game, where she led with 27 points and five blocks.

Initially, freshman Jana El Alfy was sidelined for the entire 2023-2024 season after an Achilles injury. With Fudd already out, junior Caroline Ducharme played only four games before injury ended her season. Then, in January, guard Aubrey Griffin tore her ACL.

Despite dropping to rank no. 17, UConn rebounded and is now ranked no. 10 heading into the NCAA National Tournament.

How many Championships is she winning at UCONN? pic.twitter.com/qTP0gIW2oL

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) December 22, 2021

The steady ready freshman core has stepped up for UConn

Auriemma leaned on senior Edwards and Bueckers, but the focus shifted to freshmen Ashlynn Shade, KK Arnold, and Ice Brady stepping up in the biggest of moments. Despite limited bench depth, UConn's dependable group has been key. With just healthy seven players, the Huskies get yet another shot of a title. And this time, several freshman have the opportunity to shine on the brightest stage, next to Edwards, Bueckers, and Nika Muhl. Let's not forget freshman Qadence Samuels, who put up 9 points and 5 rebounds for the Huskies.

Brady, a California native, stepped up remarkably over the tournament. Only averaging 4.6 points on the year, the forward 23 points combined in the tournament matchups against Georgetown and Marquette. And on a back-to-back, Brady led UConn with 40 minutes played. A part of the stay ready group, she was a force on both sides of the ball, with Edwards unable to suit up.

And for the Auriemma and the Huskies, they just have to remain confident through all of the ups and downs.

The Huskies remain confident regardless what's thrown their way

"Nothing good is going to happen unless you're confident in yourself that you can make it happen, " coach Auriemma told SNY. "It would have been easy to feel sorry for yourself, why us again? Why are we dealing with this again? The resilience is remarkable. They inspire me, a lot of times, to be better for them because of how positive they are."

While Selection Sunday will take place this weekend, the Connecticut Huskies will gear up for the first-round of the NCAA Tournament, which will begin on Mar. 22. With Edwards and Muhl expected to declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft, Bueckers announced her return to UConn for a final and last season. Although Edwards has missed the last two games, she'll return, this time, wearing the mask yet once again.

Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA?related?articles.

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

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Two-time Pac-12 Player of the year, Cameron Brink officially declared for the WNBA Draft on Tuesday afternoon.

Cameron Brink's left her legacy at Stanford University ,and she is set to make her mark in professional women's basketball.

Stanford University star Brink has officially declared for the WNBA Draft. While she was given a year of extra eligibility due to the pandemic in 2020, Brink decided it's time to move into the next exciting phase in her life. On Tuesday afternoon, the center shared a heartfelt message on X, formerly known as Twitter.

pic.twitter.com/0OI09aBIgd

— Cam (@cameronbrink22) March 12, 2024

Stating the Stanford Cardinal have "unfinished business," the New Jersey native expressed gratitude to all those who have played a part in her journey in becoming one of the nation's emerging stars.

"To my family and especially my parents-who would've thought that basketball would bring me the wonder it has. I attribute every ounce of success to your guidance and unconditional love" (via X )

Brink, who leads NCAA Division 1 basketball in blocks, is regarded as one of the premier two-way centers in the sport. Standing at 6'4", there's several aspects of her game to rave about. From baseline jumpers, to inside post play, and outside three-point shooting, Brink finished the season with 19 double-doubles, in 31 games, which ranks no. 8 in all of women's basketball.

Brink's is a defensive juggernaut

RECORD BREAKING GAME FOR BRINK

Cameron Brink record her first triple-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, & a single-game record 10 blocks!@StanfordWBB | #Pac12WBB pic.twitter.com/BP9odP6El8

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) January 29, 2023

Her blocks are ionic, which she'll take with her to the WNBA. In fact, she put up a season high eight blocks against Pac-12 rival USC back on Feb. 2. Yes, that's correct, eight blocks.

She surely didn't disappoint in her fourth and final season with the Cardinal. Through 31 games, she boasted an incredible stat line of 17.8 points, 12 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 3.5 blocks per game. Shooting 51.2 percent from the floor in her senior year, Brink improved drastically from the free-throw line, increasing her percentage over 20 points from the 2021-2022 season.

Although she may not be the highest-scoring player, Brink has versatility, and that's important for a center, especially with the ability to stretch the floor. Able to excel with inside-outside basketball, she's not only a force on the glass, but she's developed exceptional passing skills, especially when doubled teamed. She's had some enormous games over her career, however, we can't forget career-high 24 rebounds against Oregon State on Feb 29. In the matchup, Brink also finished with team high 25 points.

Brink is Stanford's all-time leading shot blocker

Led by legendary head coach Tara VanDerveer, filling the shoes of Stanford University's elite athletes is no small challenge. Brink stands among Stanford greats like Candice, Wiggins, Nneka Ogwumike, and Jennifer Azzi, to name just a few. After all, she plays for one of the most winningest programs in all of women's college basketball. In the history of the program, Brink is all-time leader in blocks (402), block percentage (13.4 %), blocks per game (3.1), defensive rebound percentage (29.2 %), total rebound percentage (22%), box out plus/minus (19.7), among several other statistical categories.

It's not everyday you get to lace up for the all-time winningest coach in NCAA history.

Related article: click here

A four-year player for the Cardinal, Brink was recruited out of Mountainside, located in Oregon. An integral part of the team, the center led Stanford to their first NCAA title in 2021, signaling the end of a 29 year drought.

Earning tons of accolades during her illustrious career, Brink is a 3x Pac-12 All-Defensive Team, 2x Pac-12 Player of the Year, and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. Among other individual honors, she's a 3x olympic gold medalist, which she was included in the FIBA under 19, FIBA under 17 World Cup, and 3x3 World Cup.

Announced today, Brink headlines ESPNs All-American team, next to Caitlin Clark (Iowa), Paige Bueckers(UConn), JuJu Watkins (USC), and Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame).

Brink is expected to be a top selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft

Cameron Brink will enter the 2024 WNBA draft! She announced via social media pic.twitter.com/oQIzNAC9G2

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) March 12, 2024

The former McDonald's All-American is expected to be a top selection in the 2024 WNBA Draf. With Caitlin Clark likely to be chosen as the first pick, Brink's stock is increasing, especially with Paige Bueckers returning to UConn.

Predicted to be picked second overall by the Los Angeles Sparks, she would be an excellent fit . This is especially given Nneka Ogwumikes stunning move to the Seattle Storm in free agency. By improving her three-point shot, she could become the next Nikola Jokic or Victor Wembanyama of the WNBA.

Should she drop to the third overall pick in the draft, there's a chance she could be chosen by the Phoenix Mercury. While nothing is set, I can't see Brink falling lower than the third pick.

Despite Brink and the Cardinal loss in the Pac-12 championship to USC with a final score of 74-61, the Stanford Center is determined to finish the season strong and compete for an NCAA National title.

Cameron Brink is determined to help bring a second title to Stanford during her career

"I am excited to announce I will be declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft," said Brink in her post on X. "Although I am excited for that next chapter, we still have unfinished business and so much to accomplish in my final season at Stanford."

Aside from her improvement in free-throws, it's been incredible to watch the transformation following her Freshman season. A force on both ends of the floor, she's incredibly valuable to Stanford. 28-5 on the season, Brink missed only two games, but was great missed in Stanford's 68-61 loss against Oregon State.

Bidding her final goodbyes to Palo Alto, Brink was eligible to declare for the 2023 WNBA Draft, yet decided to return for one last dance. One of the most prolific shot blockers in women's basketball, she will undoubtedly be missed by so many at Stanford.

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles.

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

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No. 5 USC Trojans defeat No.2 Stanford Cardinal 74-61, earning their second and final Pac-12 championship.

What a fitting farewell to the Pac-12 Championship.

Under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, the USC Trojans secured the Pac-12 Championship, marking their first conference victory in ten years. Despite Stanford being the favored team, USC took an early lead and maintained their momentum throughout. Demonstrating their strongest win percentage since the 1993-1994 season, the Trojans have consistently impressed with their physical prowess throughout the season. It's been a real honor to watch them this season.

TROJANS WIN!!!!! pic.twitter.com/nRyrILGTJZ

— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) March 10, 2024

It all began with a three-pointer sunk by Senior guard McKenzie Forbes. As a first-year transfer from Harvard University, and formerly Cal, Forbes scored a game-high 26 points, making 11 out of 21 field goals and hitting 4 out of 8 three-point attempts. Additionally, she grabbed five rebounds, two of which were on the offensive end, and contributed two assists along with three steals.

McKenzie Forbes was an unstoppable force

On Dec. 21, the senior scored a career-high 36 points against Long Beach State, and came up immense in the most unforgettable moment, the Pac-12 championship.

Clearly emotional after the game, Forbes was truly unstoppable all over both ends of the court. Steals and pull up threes, the senior was locked in. Second on the roster in scoring with 13.1 points per game, Forbes was the glue that secured USC their final ever Pac-12 championship. And with her stellar game play, the California native was named the conference MVP.

Surrounded by reporters, Forbes gave an tearful interview with on the court. In her post game speech, the senior shed tears, yet was visibly passionate about her team's victory.

Speaking of rebounds, acting as a strong force on the glass was the difference maker for the USC. By out rebounding Stanford 48-28, there were a plethora of second chance opportunities, along with 21 points off turnovers. There's outplaying a team on the glass, and then there's completely dominating a team on the rebounds. In USC's case, it was a display of absolute masterclass on the rebounds.

JuJu Watkins' first 7 games of her college career (all wins).

32 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST
18 PTS, 7 REB, 2 BLK
35 PTS, 9 REB, 6 STL, 6 3PT
15 PTS, 7 REB, 2 BLK
31 PTS, 12 REB
30 PTS, 5 STL, 4 AST
30 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST @USCWBB | @ballislifewbb_ pic.twitter.com/HC4UJ6NiOu

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) December 4, 2023

What an incredible freshman season it's been for Watkins. The next generational talent, she led the Trojans with 27 points per game, and broke several records in her first season. In fact, the Sierra Canyon product is now the most scoring freshman in NCAA women's basketball history. While Caitlin Clark finished with 799 points following her freshman year, Watkins is at 801.

An integral part of the Trojans success this season, Watkins poured in 33 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in the Pac-12 semifinal against no. 7 UCLA. Making history all season long, the guard broke Cheryl Miller's record for the most 30-point games in a season for the USC Trojans.

USC defeated Stanford twice this year

JUJU WATKINS
Broke the USC record for points in a game as a freshman!

51 Points
14/26 Shooting
6/11 Threes
17/19 Free Throws
11 Rebounds
4 Steals

In an upset win over No.4 Stanford pic.twitter.com/c9PtftXwQV

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) February 3, 2024

Despite being ranked No. 1 in the Pac-12 this season, the Cardinal suffered only five losses, one of which was against USC on Feb. 2, with a final score of 67-58. In a remarkable display, JuJu Watkins made history by becoming the first Division 1 freshman to score 50 points in a game since Elena Delle Donne in 2010. With an impressive 51 points, she propelled the Trojans to their first victory at Maples Pavilion, the Cardinal's home court, in 24 years.

While USC has long demonstrated their ability to compete with Stanford and head coach Tara VanDerveer, it's Stanford that has largely dominated the Pac-12, clinching five conference titles since 2015. Despite USC's recent championship win, it marks a significant shift in the landscape of one of women's basketball's most competitive conferences. With VanDerveer's influence shaping the trajectory of women's hoops, this victory undoubtedly evokes a range of emotions. Two notable sentiments include disappointment and sadness.

With 12 teams part of the Pac-12, USC will move to the Big Ten, along with UCLA next season. Meanwhile, while Arizona, Utah, among others, will join the Big 12. Stanford, along with Cal, will join the ACC. The irony in this all? The Pac-12 is one of the strongest conferences in women's basketball history, including six ranked teams. Cameron Brink, JuJu Watkins, Alissa Pili, the list goes on. The amount of talent in the Pac-12 is enormous, and it will indefinitely be missed.

In a bittersweet day, the USC Trojans will move onto the NCAA tournament, where they will receive a chance to compete for a National Championship title.

Related article: Click here

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

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Under the leadership of SEC Coach of the Year Dawn Staley, the South Carolina Gamecocks have completed another season without a single loss. In their final regular-season game, they secured a 76-68 victory over Tennessee, wrapping up another successful campaign.

You have to give credit where credit is due. Dawn Staley has undeniably left her mark at South Carolina, with a legacy that extends far beyond the basketball court. In doing so, she's built a dynasty.

What an incredible year it has been for the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team. With back-to-back undefeated seasons, Dawn Staley earned the title of SEC Coach of the Year, and several players earned personal awards. While their achievements may have been somewhat overlooked amidst historic records elsewhere, we cannot ignore the immense success of this program and the positive impact Staley is making.

Since Dawn Staley took over as head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2008-2009 season, she has led them to two national titles, notably securing their first in 2017. In a career 537 games, she has a remarkable 431-106 win loss record during her tenure. Following a heartbreaking loss to Iowa in the semifinals in 2023, the Gamecocks surprised many with their remarkable comeback season this year. Not even Staley saw this coming.

Staley is funny, yet determined. Despite describing her team as "chatty in practice," the performance they deliver on the court often contrasts with the atmosphere during practice sessions.

After all, Staley's memorable remark about being called "boo" amidst the boos during their rival victory against LSU is one for the books.

The Gamecocks were expected to regress from last year

"I got three outfits packed, I'm hoping to use all of them."

Championship mindset for Dawn Staley @GamecockWBB pic.twitter.com/dlFKvV8SWM

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) March 7, 2024

After a season of South Carolina's 29-0 dominance, Coach Staley was anticipated to face setbacks as five key players, including Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke, departed for the WNBA Draft. With this loss, many expected the Gamecocks to regress after reaching the final four the previous year.

In a year full of surprises, Staley crafted one of her finest teams. Despite expectations for a rebuilding season, Kamilla Cardoso, named SEC Sixth Woman of the Year, shone as a standout player excelling on both offense and defense.

South Carolina bolstered its roster by adding senior guard Te-Hina Paopao from Oregon, who has chosen to return to the program for another season. Furthermore, senior center Sakima Walker transferred to the program from Rutgers, providing additional depth and talent to the team.

Key players such as Bree Hall, Chloe Kitts, Raven Johnson, Ashlyn Watkins, and Sania Feagin returned for South Carolina, providing continuity and strength to the team. Coach Staley also found success with the recruitment of freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley, who has shown promise in her debut season. In fact, she was named All-Freshman SEC team.

South Carolina's dominance started from the beginning of the season

One for history books! SC vs. LSU was everything and some more. The gamecocks battled to stay undeafeated! pic.twitter.com/RNhEcR7vAO

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) January 26, 2024

The Gamecocks started off on the right foot, defeating Notre Dame in a specialty debut game in Paris. From there, South Carolina had strong defeats over No. 14 Maryland, No. 24 North Carolina, No. 11 Utah, No. 9 LSU, and No. 11 UConn. With an astonishing 258 point differential in their first five games against Notre Dame, Maryland, Clemson, South Dakota State, and Mississippi Valley State, they made shockwaves around the basketball world.

During their commanding season, the Gamecocks showcased their defensive prowess by holding teams like Clemson, Morgan State, Presbyterian, East Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri, and Alabama to 45 points or fewer.

A standout moment occurred on November 24th when they secured a historic 101-19 victory over Mississippi Valley State University, conceding just seven points in the second half. While not all opponents were highly ranked, these performances underscored the exceptional quality of the team's defense.

Additionally, Tessa Johnson from Albertville, Minnesota, was signed as the No. 25 recruit, although she hasn't seen much playing time yet. Staley also brought in freshman forward Sahnya Jah to add depth to the roster.

This season, South Carolina essentially debuted a fresh starting lineup.

Staley not only had a completely new starting five, but Cardoso also showcased remarkable improvement, posting career-best statistics. In her third season with the Gamecocks, she averaged 25 minutes, 14.1 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and shot an impressive 58.1% from the field. Cardoso's outstanding performance earned her the title of SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

With near double-double averages on a consistent basis, the Brazilian native showcased her dominance with a remarkable stretch of 24 blocks in just eight games from January 15 to February 18. Serving as the anchor of the team, Cardoso delivered a standout performance in her final regular season game against Tennessee, tallying 18 points and 14 rebounds.

Dawn Staley's exceptional leadership was once again recognized as she earned the title of SEC Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season. Beyond her coaching prowess, it's the small gestures off the court that truly resonate with her players, capturing their attention and admiration. To be a great coach, there must be a connection and love for the players, and Staley showed that on Senior Day. Get ready to bring your tissues out.

Dawn Staley reunited Kamilla Cardoso with her family

SEC Awards are in – 6⃣ Gamecocks are honored!

Starting with @Kamillascsilva pic.twitter.com/mHQayvngkN

— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) March 5, 2024

If you weren't aware, senior standout Kamilla Cardoso hails from Brazil, where she left her family during middle school to chase her basketball aspirations in the United States. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she secured a scholarship to Syracuse but ultimately transferred to South Carolina in her second year. Now, as she pursues her dream of playing in the WNBA, Coach Staley orchestrated an emotionally stirring surprise during last Saturday's practice.

Senior day is already an emotional occasion, but celebrating it without loved ones would be incredibly challenging. To Coach Staley's credit, she took the initiative to ensure that Kamilla Cardoso's family could be present to watch her during her final collegiate game. This thoughtful gesture undoubtedly added a significant layer of meaning to the occasion for Cardoso and her family.

Initially denied entry to the US, Coach Staley intervened, contacting state representatives to facilitate the arrival of Kamilla Cardoso's mother, Janete Soares, and sister, Jessica Silva, from Brazil to South Carolina.

For the South Carolina Gamecocks, it's bigger than basketball

Family over everything @kamillascsilva pic.twitter.com/Qh1opAgli0

— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) March 2, 2024

It was the first time her family had ever seen her play a college game in person.

"This is kind of an incredible moment for all of us, " said Staley in practice. "For someone that's made incredible sacrifices for her family for the past eight years. For the past eight years, just for this game. Just for the game that she loves. " (South Carolina Women's Basketball X account)

Despite the challenges, the emotional reunion was evident, leaving Cardoso visibly shocked and moved, with her hands covering her face as her family entered the practice facility. In such a wholesome moment, Staley showed that it's so much more than basketball. Her drive and empathy to facilitate this move spoke volumes.

"We got a chance to do something pretty special, yup, yup, " said coach Staley. "Kamilla, let's bring the people who also made that sacrifice for the past eight years. To be away from your family for as long as you've been away from your family, we wanted to make this day special." (South Carolina Women's Basketball X account).

And just like that, the best coach in all of women's basketball just reunited her star player with her family. She's been seen supporting former players off the court, such as A'ja Wilson in the WNBA Finals at the Barclays center. Her ability to connect with current and former players is truly heartwarming.

Now that the seniors have received their perfect sendoff, the Gamecocks are gearing up to face Texas A&M on Friday night in the SEC tournament. With few weaknesses in their game, South Carolina appears poised for yet another outstanding season under the leadership of Coach Staley.

Stay tuned for more NCAA/Women's Basketball related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager at Ballislife. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

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In the final game against Ohio State, Clark achieved a remarkable feat, surpassing Pete Maravich for the all-time scoring record with an outstanding performance in the first half.

It's official. Caitlin Clark passed "pistol" Pete Maravich and is the NCAA men's and women's all-time leading scorer. In a record-breaking season, Clark is truly one of one. She came into the game 18 points shy, and now holds the record with 3,685 points.

And with chaos surrounding Iowa City, Clark started her day at 6:22 a.m., and headed to shoot around. With ESPN College Game Day present for the second consecutive year, Clark and the Hawkeyes did their best to go about their ordinary routines.

And she stands alone. The Iowa native matched then surpassed the record with two free-throw attempts subsequent to Ohio State's technical foul. Although falling short of breaking the standard three-point shot record, Clark etched her name in history at the free-throw line. With all attention fixed on number 22, she flawlessly sank the free-throws with .3 seconds left in the first half, up 46-39.

Man or Woman she stands alone! Caitlin Clark is your all time leading scorer passing Pete Maravich. Congratulations Caitlin! pic.twitter.com/7V7vTEj2tB

— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) March 3, 2024

Clark appeared indifferent how she broke the record, even if it was a logo three. With Ohio State receiving a technical foul, she was tasked with shooting two free throws without any opponents present at the line. It seemed as though she was destined to achieve the record all on her own, with only herself at the line.

"Honestly, like I didn't really care," said Clark about making history from the free-throw line. "It was cool to hear everybody just start screaming. I thought that gave us a lot of momentum going into halftime." (Fox Sports YouTube).

While free-throws may seem fairly easy, it's sure a lot of pressure when the entire arena has eyes on you.

"I'm just glad to make a free throw, " the NCAA all-time scoring leader told the media. "That's like the hardest thing to do in basketball is make free throws with nobody at the free throw line." (Fox Sports YouTube).

In their last matchup, Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes dropped a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State in overtime. In the loss, Clark finished with 45 points,2 steals, 1 block, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds. This time around, Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes secured the 93-83 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes.

RELATED: Iowa vs. Ohio State game preview.

Like a Cinderella story, Clark and the Iowa Buckeyes delivered a captivating performance before almost 15,000 fans at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena. In the culmination of the regular season, Iowa clinched victory on none other than Senior Day. When asked about the record-breaking day, Clark said it will eventually hit her. Passing Pete Maravich and Kelsey Plum is quite the accomplishment. However, there are several successful ballers that have come before Clark's time.

"I don't think many people understand how many amazing players have come before me and been able to score the ball and do it at such a high rate. Just to be in the same realm of all these players who have been so successful--whether it's Pete, or whether it's Kelsey Plum or Lynette Woodard." (Fox Sports YouTube).

It's 9:30 a.m., but the stars are out in Iowa City. @MooreMaya x @CaitlinClark22 #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/0tc7xzLeTm

— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) March 3, 2024

In the eagerly awaited matchup, a host of notable figures graced the event, among them UConn and WNBA icon Maya Moore. While Clark admired Moore during her upbringing, it was a delightful surprise for Clark when Moore made an appearance before the big game. Indeed, the Hawkeye star was "fangirling" intensely over Moore. Also in attendance was Jake from State Farm, Travis Scott, and basketball legend Lynette Woodard.

"For her [Maya Moore] to be here, surprise me was pretty special," Clark told the media post-game. "I felt like I was that young girl again, it's crazy how life can come full circle. She's just such a great role model, great person, not only a great basketball player." (Fox Sports YouTube).

Clark wrapped up the last regular season game of her career with an impressive stat line of 35 points, 3 steals, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. Despite her reputation for sharpshooting, the guard struggled with her accuracy overall. Starting with three missed shots, Clark concluded shooting 10-26 (37%) from the field and 6-17 (35.2%) from beyond the arc.

Facing off against Ohio State's formidable defense, Clark found it challenging to penetrate the paint. However, she adjusted her strategy and began driving to the basket, resulting in nine free-throw attempts. While many focus on her scoring abilities, she has incredible court vision, and her facilitaitng was elite. With several high velocity outlet passes, Clark often found Hannah Stuelke, who finished with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists, on 9-12 field goal shooting.

With Ohio State's intense focus on Clark, it created openings for her teammates to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Clark's exceptional ability to distribute the ball to her teammates with precision was put on full display. Despite being known for her scoring prowess, she handled Ohio State's double teams and full-court press, showcasing her versatility on the court in distributing the rock.

Clark has passed Pistol Pete

Pearl Moore: 4,061 (1979)
Caitlin Clark: 3,668 & counting (2024)
Pete Maravich: 3,667 (1970)
Antoine Davis: 3,664 (2023)
Lynette Woodard: 3,649 (1981)
Kelsey Plum: 3,527 (2017) pic.twitter.com/aywonXTheK

— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) March 3, 2024

Despite Iowa commanding a 17-point lead, the Buckeyes managed to narrow the deficit to just four points. However, unlike the previous game, Iowa ensured they maintained their lead and stayed focused. Even after senior guard Molly Davis suffered a leg injury, the team persevered. Davis's injury was severe enough that she had to be carried off the court and later returned in a wheelchair, remaining court side for the remainder of the game.

The pivotal change came when Iowa, under the leadership of head coach Lisa Bluder, transitioned from primarily employing a zone defense to adopting a man-to-man matchup as the game drew to a close. While both teams committed a high number of turnovers, it was Iowa's ability to attack inside, and find success on the free-throw line. They outscored the Buckeyes in the paint 42-28 and had 15 more free-throw attempts at the line. Overall, it was an intense, physical, defensive matchup between the two rivals.

For Ohio State, senior guard Jacy Sheldon finished the game with 24 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 9 assists, on 57.1 percent three-point shooting. Taylor Thierry, Cotie McMahon, Rebeka Mikulasikova, and Celeste Taylor all put up points in double figures.

It was undeniably a statement victory against the no.2 seed Buckeyes. Although not the official last home game, Clark and the Hawkeyes will host the first two rounds of the tournament as a high seed.

Clark was quick to acknowledge the success of her team and teammates before delving into the significance of the upcoming event. However, she also shed light on the journey they've undertaken. As a true generational talent, Clark, along with her teammates, has played a pivotal role in shaping the growth and evolution of basketball. In her lifetime, she's witnessed an unprecedented level of support, particularly in the realm of women's hoops.

"It's been a lot", said Clark on the historic day. "This is what's so fun and so special. This is what we've built here, and these are moments that you dream of. Obviously, our fans were incredible. To celebrate our seniors and four other people that have meant so much to me and given so much to this program, it's really awesome." (Fox Sports YouTube).

Pure @caitlinclark22 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/HGr2MEAh6h

— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) March 3, 2024

Other than Clark, four of Iowa's seniors were recognized after the game--Sharon Goodman, Gabbie Marshall, Kate Martin, and Molly Davis. Aside from Clark and Molly's injury, Goodman, Marshall, and Martin combined for 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, and 4 assists, on 50 percent three-point shooting.

After the game, Clark expressed her appreciation for the energy that the fans bring to every single game. She emphasized that the contagious vibes and the team's cohesive play are what make the experience special. While she undoubtedly enjoys a massive following as an Iowa native, she noted that the crowd cheers loudly for every member of the team.

"The style of basketball we play is like, people love it" said Clark. They are not just here for me, I'm sure I help. At the end of the day, we have a really great team and a really great culture, and that's what makes it so fun. " (Fox Sports).

???????? ????????????????.

Sharon. Molly. Gabbie. Kate. Caitlin. #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/HUWmPjZulY

— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) March 3, 2024

While acknowledging that history was indeed made with the scoring record, Clark remains focused on her team's success. She expresses a desire not to be solely remembered for breaking the record, as she believes there is much more to her contributions to the team and the sport.

"A record is a record, Clark said. I don't want that to be the reason people remember me. I hope people remember me for the way I play with a smile on my face, my competitive fire. Sure, they can remember the wins. But also, the fun me and my teammates had together." (Fox Sports YouTube).

Selflessly, Clark, a typical college student, holds deep regard for her friends and teammates. Despite her exceptional talent, she adeptly balances her responsibilities, prioritizing authenticity above all as Caitlin.

With the regular season concluded, Iowa now gears up for the Big Ten tournament and the NCAA tournament in mid-March. Riding high on momentum, the Hawkeyes made a resounding statement on the grandest night of the year.

Coming up is the Big Ten Tournament, which begins on Mar. 6. Soon after March Madness and the NCAA women's basketball tournament will start on Mar. 20.

Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles. Click here

Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

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Caitlin Clark is just 18 points shy of the all-time scoring record, while her last home game has become the priciest in college basketball history.

Caitlin Clark is bidding a regular season farewell at the Carver, with tickets commanding the highest prices in NCAA basketball history. As she approaches the milestone of becoming the NCAA's all-time leading scorer, the stage is set for an epic matchup. All eyes are on Clark for the chase in Pistol Petes's [Pete Maravich] all-time scoring record.

In the highly anticipated showdown between the two top-seeded teams, the most affordable ticket is priced at $297, available in corner F section on VividSeats. At present, the priciest seat available in the house is listed at $1,356, located in sideline section BB.

Related: Caitlin Clark declares for the 2024 WNBA Draft

ESPN's College Gameday is headed to Iowa

ESPN's College GameDay is set to return to Iowa City for the second consecutive year. Starting at 10 a.m. CT, the show will be hosted by a stellar lineup of basketball analysts, including Elle Duncan, Andraya Carter, Rebecca Lobo, Carolyn Peck, and Holly Rowe.

Anticipation mounts for the No. 6 Iowa Hawkeyes' showdown against the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This game holds extra significance as Iowa bids farewell to its seniors, notably Caitlin Clark, who recently declared for the WNBA Draft.

Announcing the guard will forgo a fifth season at Iowa, Clark stated she wanted full transparency headed into senior night with her teammates. She emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment, and celebrating the growth of the program. Following the game, Iowa will celebrate senior night, with Caitlin Clark having one goal in mind: defeating Ohio State.

"My main goal is beating Ohio State," said Clark in post game press conference. "I think we are all just super excited for another opportunity at them. "(Owen Siebring on X)

Earlier this year, Ohio State secured a victory over Iowa in overtime

OT | @cotiemcmahon23 has a CAREER-HIGH 31 points #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/49zSvfmAge

— Ohio State Women’s Basketball (@OhioStateWBB) January 21, 2024

With tip off at 1 p.m. ET, the Buckeyes (25-3) will face the Hawkeyes (25-4) in a monumental BigTen matchup. All eyes are on Iowa, who are out for revenge, after losing to Ohio state 100-92 in overtime back on Jan. 21. With Iowa as the heavy favorites with 18,660 spectators at Value City Arena, Ohio State came back from a 12-point deficit. They outscored the Hawkeyes 25-8 in the fourth quarter, and Jacy Sheldon sealed the deal with two made free-throws in the final 26 seconds of overtime.

It was a matchup Caitlin Clark would rather forget. Despite her stellar performance, she found herself accidentally knocked to the ground as Buckeye fans stormed the court in celebration. Thankfully, Clark emerged from the incident without injuries, but it was a frightening moment for the nation's top player. Plus, they snapped Iowa's 15 game win streak.

In that meeting, Clark finished with a season high (at the time) 45 points, 2 steals, 1 block, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds. Finishing 12-25 from the field, the Iowa native finished 14-16 from free-throw line. Hannah Stuelke and Molly Davis combined for 24 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. Ohio State applied the pressure defensively, holding the Hawkeyes to 46.2 percent from the field, and 35.7 percent from deep.

Caitlin Clark accounts for 34.7 percent of the Hawkeyes offense

@caitlinclark22 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/jqB75v6U5O

— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) January 21, 2024

7-1 in the BigTen, the Hawkeyes find themselves in a similar position as last season, where they finished 31-7. Under coach Lisa Bluder, Iowa is 12-1 at home, and won their last two games against Minnesota and Illinois. In five games against ranked teams, the Hawkeyes have impressive victories over Virginia Tech, Kansas State, and Indiana.

Indeed, Caitlin Clark has been the central focus with her extraordinary career accomplishments. Averaging 32.2 points per game, she constitutes 34.7 percent of the team's offense. However, her teammates have played a crucial role, offering support both on and off the court. Averaging the most points in NCAA women's basketball with 92.7 points per game, they will look to keep it rolling on Sunday.

Clark's been incredible at home, averaging 32.9 points, 8.8 assists, and 6.9 rebounds, on 40.8 percent three-point shooting.

For the Buckeyes, they showcased why they are the real deal this season. With a 6-1 record in the conference, they earned a signature win at home. Jacy Sheldon, who closed tings out, finished with 24 points and seven rebounds. The no. 18 seed at the time, Cotie McMahon put up a career high 33 points and 12 rebounds.

Senior Day

Caitlin Clark's full interview from today...
She explains why now was the right time to announce her decision to leave Iowa; and reflects on the last 4 years with the Hawkeyes. pic.twitter.com/PTWNH7Esbr

— Owen Siebring (@owensiebring) March 1, 2024

Sophomore Hannah Stuelke stands as the team's second-highest scorer, averaging 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Alongside Stuelke, senior guard Kate Martin contributes significantly with 13 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Although they aren't the highest ranked team, Clark along with the rest of the roster make the team a formidable presence once again this year. Tomorrow night, Clark, Kate Martin, Gabbie Marshall, Sharon Goodman, and Molly Davis will all the proper senior sendoff post game.

As Iowa aims to host the NCAA tournament's first round, it's a prime opportunity to honor the athletes who have made significant contributions to the program's success. The core of this team, consisting of five players, boasts a combined total of 100 wins and played pivotal roles in leading Iowa to its inaugural NCAA Championship title game last season.

Ohio State has won 15 consecutive games

The moment everyone knew. Beat TTUN and became undisputed champions on the same night! pic.twitter.com/Q84iLEy3Ir

— Ohio State Women’s Basketball (@OhioStateWBB) March 1, 2024

Following their season-opening loss to USC, Ohio State has been unstoppable, remaining undefeated since their matchup against Michigan on December 30th. During this impressive streak, they've ascended in the rankings, securing 15 consecutive victories. Notably, these wins include triumphs over formidable opponents such as ranked teams Indiana, Iowa, Penn State, and Tennessee.

Senior Jacy Sheldon stands out as the team's leading scorer, averaging an impressive 18 points per game. She is closely followed by Cotie McMahon, Taylor Thierry, and Celeste Taylor, all of whom contribute points in double figures, showcasing the depth and scoring versatility of the team.

While they failed to make it to the final four last year, the Bucks scored big by locking up Taylor, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year transfer from Duke. With March Madness right around the corner, Ohio State recently had colossal victories over Michigan, Maryland, and Penn State. Over the last five games, they've had a total point differential over Michigan State, Nebraska, Penn State, Maryland, and Michigan.

Key Players

Iowa

• Caitlin Clark (Senior, guard): 32.2 PPG | 7.4 RPG | 8.7 APG | 1.7 SPG | 39.5 % 3PT
  
• Molly Davis (Senior, guard): 6.3 PPG | 2.3 RPG | 3.2 APG | 1 SPG | 40.7 % 3PT
  
• Hannah Stuelke (Sophomore, guard): 14.1 PPG | 6.8 RPG | 1.4 APG | 1 SPG | 63.9 FG %
  
• Kate Martin (Senior, guard): 13 PPG | 6.3 RPG | 2.6 APG | 52.3 FG %

OSU

• Cotie McMahon( Sophomore, forward):14.3 PPG | 6.5 RPG | 2.2 APG | 2.0 BPG | 47.2 FG %
  
• Jacy Sheldon (Senior, guard) : 18 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 3.6 APG | 2.1 SPG | 38.4 % 3PT
  
• Celeste Taylor (Senior, guard): 10.3 PPG | 4.2 RPG | 3.4 APG | 2.3 SPG
  
• Taylor Thierry (Junior, guard) :11.4 PPG | 5.5 RPG | 1.5 APG | 1.8 SPG | 46.2 % 3PT
  
• Rebeka Mikulasikova (Senior, forward) :9.1 PPG | 2.9 RPG | 2.5 APG | 38.3 % 3PT

The Buckeyes are beatable

Ohio State has continued to build an impressive record, positioning themselves for a potential No. 1 seed with a victory over Iowa. However, their scoring average of 80.6 points per game ranks 15th in the league. While defensively they've allowed an average of 62.9 points per game, their struggle with rebounds has persisted as a season-long weakness.

For Iowa to craft a Cinderella story on senior day, they must prioritize ball control, as Ohio State thrives on fast-paced basketball and capitalizes on turnovers. Iowa has honed their defensive strategies, including the utilization of the box-and-one defense. If they can execute defensively, victory could be within their grasp.

And again, it all may come down to Caitlin Clark. After all, she scored all the overtime buckets for Iowa in their last matchup vs. Ohio State. With the Buckeyes named the outright Big Ten Champions, there's not as much on the line.

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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.

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