Caitlin Clark Breaks All-Time NCAA Division I Scoring Record with Free Throws
Caitlin Clark, the rising star of college basketball, made history on Sunday as she broke the all-time NCAA Division I scoring record. In a game between No. 6 Iowa and No. 2 Ohio State, Clark’s two free throws after a technical foul propelled her past Pete Maravich’s 54-year-old record. The victory for Iowa was sealed with a final score of 93-83.
Clark entered the game needing 18 points to surpass Maravich’s total of 3,667 points, which he achieved in just 83 games over three seasons at LSU from 1967 to 1970. With her outstanding performance, Clark finished the game with 35 points, bringing her total to an impressive 3,685 points in 130 games.
This milestone came just four days after Clark broke Lynette Woodard’s major college women’s record by scoring 33 points against Minnesota. Reflecting on her achievement, Clark expressed her gratitude towards the players who came before her, stating, “Just to be in the same realm of all these players who have been so successful…all these people have just given so much to the game.”
Known for her long-range shooting and flashy style of play, Clark was called to the free throw line after a technical foul was assessed against Cotie McMahon. Despite making history with free throws instead of a half-court logo 3-pointer, Clark remained humble, saying, “I guess I’m just glad to make free throws…That’s like the hardest thing to do in basketball.”
Although she had a slow start in the game, missing her first few shots, Clark quickly found her rhythm and showcased her scoring prowess. Notable figures such as Lynette Woodard, Maya Moore, and Nolan Ryan were present at Carver-Hawkeye Arena to celebrate Clark’s senior day.
Woodard, who held the record before Clark, expressed her admiration for the young player, saying, “Caitlin is leading the way…records are made to be broken. Because of her, my records are being honored. She’s gone beyond that now, she’s gone beyond Pete…I’m so happy for her.”
Looking ahead, Clark has announced her decision to enter the 2024 WNBA draft and forgo her fifth year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever, and the WNBA has already seen a rise in ticket sales. Fans are eager to witness the talent of this once-in-a-lifetime player.
Clark’s remarkable achievement has sparked excitement among basketball enthusiasts. Ticket prices for Sunday’s game reached an average sale price of $598, with fans expressing their willingness to pay a premium to witness her skills on the court. One fan, Kiran Nanjappa, shared, “She’s a truly once-in-a-lifetime player…I paid more to see her today than I paid to see Michael Jordan three times at the end of his career.”
As Iowa is projected to be a No. 2 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, Clark is expected to have one or two more appearances at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. She currently trails Pearl Moore’s overall women’s record of 4,061 points from 1975-79 at the small-college level.
While Clark’s achievement is undoubtedly impressive, there has been some scrutiny surrounding the fall of Maravich’s record. Maravich’s scoring mark is considered one of the most remarkable in sports history, achieved without the shot clock or the 3-point line. However, Clark’s consistent performance and impressive scoring average of 28.3 points per game solidify her place among the greats of the game.
Caitlin Clark’s journey to breaking the all-time NCAA Division I scoring record has captivated fans and reinvigorated women’s basketball. Her talent, passion, and dedication to the sport have set a new standard, inspiring future generations of players. As Clark looks forward to her professional career in the WNBA, her legacy as a record-breaking scorer will forever be etched in college basketball history.