Is Raven Johnson the Key to Stopping Caitlin Clark? Dawn Staley Masterclass Takes over 2nd Quarter of NCAA Championship Game

The Iowa Hawkeyes have locked horns with the South Carolina Gamecocks in what is the most crucial game in the College Basketball calendar. While this is the last game for Iowa Hawkeyes superstar Caitlin Clark, who has declared for the WNBA Draft, South Carolina are no pushovers and there is a reason they are undefeated this season. But any time Clark steps foot on the court, the question becomes how will anyone stop the Iowa juggernaut? Well, Dawn Staley seems to have an answer for that.

Since Iowa usually relies on their star Clark, the Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley needed to stop the Iowa powerhouse which she has done with much success. Staley employed their guard, Raven Johnson, on Clark. Though offensively she potted just 2 points till halftime, Johnson nabbed three steals at crucial moments as the Gamecocks led at the end of the first half by 49-46.

The trick to defeating the Hawkeyes was to contain Clark and Johnson did just that. While in the first quarter, Clark found open spaces and scored 18 points, during the next Clark could only score 3 points.

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This marked difference of 18 and 3 points was what tilted the game in Staley’s favor. Another interesting fact to note here was that Staley’s team had stayed undefeated throughout the tournament. This on-song performance continued as they dominated Clark & Co. in this game with the help of Johnson.

How did the game go?

The South Carolina Gamecocks took on Clark bit by bit and ended up with their indomitable spirit winning them the game. During the first half, the scoreline read 49-46 whereas the second half culminated in South Carolina winning the game 87-75. Though Johnson only scored 3 points, she helped her team to the fullest with 4 steals and 2 blocks.

Thus whenever Clark wanted to score, Staley had an answer to it which led to the contest ultimately going in favor of the Gamecocks. They maintained their 38-0 streak this season and proved their mettle throughout the tourney. Hopefully, Clark will be able to ease herself up before she gets drafted into the WNBA.

Nonetheless, fans will always remember Clark for being the guiding light for the Hawkeyes and smashing record after record. Although she couldn’t end her season on a high, Clark will forever be admired for her special play and for taking women’s basketball to another level both in terms of popularity and gaming acumen.

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