LSU claim first women's NCAA basketball title

LSU defeated Iowa 102-85 in Dallas on Sunday (2 April) to secure their first women's NCAA basketball title.

The Tigers set the platform for victory in the first half with Jasmine Carson coming off the bench to score 21 points including making all five of her three-point attempts.

LSU led 59-42 after two periods, but the Hawkeyes - led by standout guard Caitlin Clark - closed the gap with a 15-2 run in the third quarter.

Clark, who finished with 30 points and eight assists, encountered foul trouble in the final stanza, and LSU were able to go clear again as they posted a record score in a women's national championship game.

Angel Reese dominated the glass for LSU with a game-high 10 rebounds as well as 15 points. Carson finished on a team-high 22 points with Alexis Morris tallying 21 points and nine assists, and LaDazhia Williams netting 20 points.

Both teams were appearing in their first NCAA final, and it was Lousiana State head coach Kim Mulkey who cried tears of joy at the end.

Mulkey is the first coach to win the women's NCAA title with two different teams - she previously masterminded Baylor to three triumphs - and only the third to claim four or more titles.

The triumph also sealed a 50th national championship for LSU.