Caitlin Clark Sets Sights on NCAA Women’s Basketball Career Scoring Record
Thursday night is set to be a historical moment in college sports as Caitlin Clark, the star player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, aims to break the NCAA women’s basketball career scoring record. With just eight points needed to surpass Kelsey Plum’s record of 3,527 points, Clark is expected to surpass it with ease. However, what sets Clark apart is her lack of interest in any mid-game celebration or recognition for her achievement.
Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder had initially planned to honor Clark with a timeout, but upon hearing Clark’s thoughts on the matter, she decided against it. Clark expressed her desire not to waste any timeouts on a celebration, stating, “We can’t be wasting timeouts on that, come on now.” This showcases Clark’s competitive nature and her focus on the game rather than personal accolades.
For the thousands of fans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena and the millions watching on TV, this will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion. Clark, who leads the NCAA with an impressive 32.1 points per game, is expected to surpass Plum’s record by a significant margin. Coach Bluder expressed her excitement, stating, “It’s going to be fun to see how many points she adds on to that.”
While Clark and Bluder were aware of the impending record-breaking moment, they had not discussed it until Wednesday’s practice. Bluder intends to talk to the team about the significance of the achievement and the importance of celebrating it. Breaking this record is not only a personal milestone for Clark but also a proud moment for the university and the basketball program.
Aside from Clark’s record-breaking potential, Thursday holds significance for the Iowa Hawkeyes as they have only five regular-season matchups remaining. These games will play a crucial role in determining their seeding for the upcoming NCAA tournament. After suffering a defeat against Nebraska in their previous game, the Hawkeyes are determined to bounce back and secure victories against Michigan, Ohio State, and Indiana.
The game against Nebraska was a disappointment for Clark and her teammates. Despite scoring 39 points leading up to the Super Bowl, she was held scoreless in the fourth quarter. Coach Bluder highlighted the need for the team to avoid relying solely on Clark’s scoring abilities, stating, “We can’t have the Michael Jordan effect where everybody’s standing around watching her.”
Once Clark surpasses Plum’s record, there are still more records for her to chase during her senior year. The next target would be Kansas alum Lynette Woodard, who holds the all-time Division I women’s record with 3,649 points. However, this record is not officially recognized by the NCAA as it was achieved in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIWA). The all-time Division I men’s record of 3,667 points held by Pete Maravich could also be within Clark’s reach.
The ultimate collegiate scoring record is held by Francis Marion alum Pearl Moore, who scored a staggering 4,061 points. However, this record is not upheld by the NCAA as Moore also participated in the AIWA and competed against smaller schools in Division II.
As Caitlin Clark prepares to make history on Thursday night, her focus remains solely on the game. She is determined to break records and lead her team to victory without any distractions or celebrations. For basketball fans around the country, witnessing Clark’s journey towards greatness is a thrilling experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the sport.
