Caitlin Clark Breaks NCAA Women’s Basketball Scoring Record
Caitlin Clark, the star point guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, has made history by breaking the NCAA women’s basketball scoring record. With her incredible performance on Thursday, Clark surpassed the previous record set by Kelsey Plum, who scored 3,527 career points during her time at Washington from 2013-17.
For Clark, it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the company she now keeps among the greatest scorers in Division I women’s college basketball. In an interview, she expressed her admiration for players like Kelsey Plum, Brittney Griner, and Kelsey Mitchell, whom she grew up watching. Now, she has joined their ranks as one of the all-time greats.
Clark achieved this milestone in her 126th game against Michigan. Needing just eight points to break the record, she wasted no time and hit a deep shot from well beyond the 3-point line early in the first quarter. It was a fitting moment for Clark, known for her range and ability to hit shots from anywhere on the court.
But Clark didn’t stop there. She went on to score a career-high 49 points in the game, surpassing her previous record of 46 points. Alongside her scoring prowess, Clark also contributed 13 rebounds and five assists, showcasing her versatility as a player.
This season, Clark has been a force to be reckoned with. Averaging 32.1 points, seven rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, she has been a dominant presence on the court. Her shooting percentages have also been impressive, with a career-high 47.3% from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc.
What sets Clark apart is not just her numbers but also her style of play. Her range is seemingly limitless, as she regularly pulls up from the logo and drains deep 3-pointers. Her ability to score in transition and make difficult shots has left opponents in awe. Additionally, her court vision and ability to deliver highlight-reel assists have made her a complete player.
With her record-breaking performance, Clark has garnered national attention. She has been on pace to break the all-time DI men’s scoring record set by Pete Maravich within a month. Furthermore, her team, the Iowa Hawkeyes, is currently ranked No. 2 and is considered a favorite to reach the Final Four and potentially win the national championship in April.
Clark’s pursuit of the record has captivated fans across the nation. Three of the most-watched women’s basketball games this season involved Iowa, with millions tuning in to watch her play. Iowa fans have shown their support by selling out their home games and traveling in large numbers to away games.
As Clark continues her record chase, all eyes are now on the overall DI college scoring record set by Pete Maravich. With her current scoring average, she is on track to surpass Maravich’s record within five games. If she achieves this feat, it could happen in the season finale against Ohio State, a game that could determine the Big Ten regular-season title.
In addition to the scoring record, Clark has the opportunity to break the DI women’s scoring average record for both a season and a career. With her impressive numbers and shooting percentages, she is within reach of these records.
Looking ahead, Iowa is expected to make deep runs in both the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments. If Clark chooses to stay for a fifth season under the COVID-19 eligibility waiver, she could continue to rewrite the record books. Alternatively, she may decide to enter the WNBA Draft, where she is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick.
Caitlin Clark’s remarkable journey as a basketball player has led her to this historic moment. With her scoring prowess, versatility, and ability to captivate audiences, she has solidified her place among the greatest players in college basketball history. As she continues to make headlines and break records, the world eagerly awaits what she will accomplish next.