Caitlin Clark Breaks NCAA Women’s Career Scoring Record with 49-Point Performance
IOWA CITY, Iowa – In a historic moment for women’s college basketball, Caitlin Clark of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes shattered the NCAA women’s career scoring record on Thursday night. Clark wasted no time in achieving this milestone, scoring the eight points she needed to surpass Kelsey Plum’s record in less than three minutes. The record-breaking shot came in the form of a remarkable 35-foot 3-pointer that left spectators in awe.
Clark’s exceptional performance didn’t stop there. She went on to finish the game with a career-high 49 points, tying her personal best with nine 3-pointers, and dishing out an impressive 13 assists. Her outstanding display of skill and dominance propelled the No. 4 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes to a resounding 106-89 victory over Michigan.
The significance of this achievement was not lost on Clark’s coach, Lisa Bluder, who made the decision to take her star player out of the game with just under two minutes remaining. As Clark made her final 3-pointer and headed to the bench, she was met with a thunderous ovation from the sellout crowd at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
With this remarkable performance, Clark now sits at 3,569 career points, a mere 80 points away from Lynette Woodard’s major women’s college scoring record of 3,649. It seems inevitable that Clark will surpass this milestone, given her exceptional scoring ability and the remaining games in the regular season, as well as the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
Reflecting on her achievement, Clark expressed her gratitude for her teammates, coaches, and support system that has surrounded her throughout her career. In a halftime interview, she humbly acknowledged the company she now finds herself in, alongside other great players who have left their mark on the sport.
The previous record holder, Kelsey Plum, set the bar high during her senior year at Washington in 2017. However, it is worth noting that the overall women’s scoring record is held by Pearl Moore of Francis Marion, who scored a staggering 4,061 points from 1975-1979.
As Clark’s star continues to rise, there is growing anticipation about what lies ahead for her. Projected as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, fans and supporters are already clamoring for her to return for another year of college basketball. The crowd at Carver-Hawkeye Arena chanted “One more year!” as Clark conducted a postgame television interview. The decision ultimately rests with Clark, who has the option to return for a fifth season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clark’s impact on the game extends beyond her scoring records. Her dynamic style of play, characterized by long-range 3-pointers and flashy passes, has captivated audiences nationwide. Her games consistently draw sold-out crowds, both at home and on the road, and television ratings have soared to unprecedented heights.
For Clark, this journey has exceeded her wildest dreams. When she made the decision to stay in her home state of Iowa and join the Hawkeyes over Notre Dame in November 2019, she had aspirations of achieving great things. However, the magnitude of her success has surpassed even her own expectations. Despite her basketball obligations and endorsement deals, Clark remains grounded and true to herself. She still finds time for everyday activities like cleaning her apartment, doing laundry, playing video games, and spending time with friends.
The road to this record-breaking moment could have come sooner for Clark, but fate brought her back to Carver-Hawkeye Arena, where fans eagerly awaited her historic feat. Ticket resale prices for the game reached astronomical figures, with fans donning black-and-gold No. 22 jerseys and holding signs in tribute to their beloved star.
Clark’s impact extends beyond the court, inspiring young girls who aspire to follow in her footsteps. Mya Anderson and Ellie Steffensen, both 12 years old, made a six-hour drive from South Dakota to witness Clark’s record-breaking performance. They, like many others, have been inspired by Clark’s skill and are attempting to emulate her long-range shooting.
Kelly Jared of Manchester, Iowa, recognizes the lasting impact that Clark will have on the women’s game. She believes that Clark has set a new standard for current and future players, pushing them to reach greater heights. Even those who were previously uninterested in women’s basketball have been captivated by Clark’s talent and passion for the game.
As Caitlin Clark continues to etch her name into the record books, her legacy as one of the greatest players in women’s college basketball is solidified. With more milestones within reach and the possibility of a professional career on the horizon, the world eagerly awaits what this extraordinary athlete will accomplish next.