CLEVELAND — The stage is set for the rematch.

South Carolina women's basketball, the top overall seed in the 2024 Women's NCAA Tournament, and No. 1 Iowa are facing off in the national championship game Sunday (3 p.m. ET, ABC) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

The teams played each other in the national semifinals last year, when Iowa ended the Gamecocks' undefeated season. The Hawkeyes (34-4) have a chance to do it again, and on an even bigger stage.

Iowa is coming off a 71-69 victory over No. 3 UConn in the Final Four on Friday, with star guard Caitlin Clark leading the Hawkeyes to a second consecutive national championship game on 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Senior center Kamilla Cardoso played hero for South Carolina, putting up 22 points and 11 rebounds as the Gamecocks defeated No. 3 NC State 78-59 in their semifinal.

Here's what you need to know about the matchup.

How can South Carolina slow down Caitlin Clark?

There's no stopping Iowa's star, but slowing her down is the key to beating the Hawkeyes — her 21 points against UConn tied a season low in a tight game.

Clark scored 41 points on 15-for-31 shooting in the Final Four against South Carolina last season, including 5-for-17 from 3-point range.

To beat Clark, however, opponents need to slow down more than just her scoring. Her nine assists per game are the best in the nation, and she grabs 7.6 rebounds per game. She has recorded six triple-doubles this season.

Clark — and the defender tasked with slowing her down — will be the main storyline.

South Carolina matches up well against Hannah Stuelke

Sophomore forward Hannah Stuelke led Iowa with 23 points against UConn, but she'll have a harder time producing at a similar level against South Carolina.

At 6-foot-2, Stuelke gives up five inches to Cardoso and at least one inch to each of South Carolina's posts. The Gamecocks have a favorable matchup in the paint, especially if Cardoso and sophomore forward Ashlyn Watkins can keep the momentum after strong performances Friday.

The Gamecocks must keep Caitlin Clark's teammates from beating them

While Clark is the key matchup, the solution to winning likely will stem from her supporting cast. South Carolina can ease its path to victory by shutting down those around Clark.

The Hawkeyes have four other players who shoot the 3-pointer at a similar clip to Clark, if at a much lower rate. Guards Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall shoot 37% and 35%, respectively, from beyond the arc, and Martin's 13 points per game is third on the team behind Clark and Stuelke.

One of South Carolina's strengths is its depth, with seven players averaging at least eight points. It can provide the Gamecocks with an edge Sunday.

South Carolina prediction vs Iowa: March Madness national championship

South Carolina 89, Iowa 85: This is far from the same South Carolina team that Iowa defeated last season. It has a chip on its shoulder — it was the last time the Gamecocks lost. In a matchup between the two best teams in the country, South Carolina will find yet another way to come out on top.

Evan Gerike covers South Carolina women's basketball for the Greenville News. Email him at egerike@citizentimes.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanGerike.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: South Carolina vs Iowa prediction: National championship game pick is in