Caitlin Clark of Iowa sets a new scoring record in NCAA women's basketball.

February 16, 2024

Caitlin Clark of Iowa sets a new scoring record in NCAA women's basketball.

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Caitlin Clark didn't have a specific plan for breaking the NCAA women's basketball scoring record, but the Iowa Hawkeyes' senior star achieved the feat with flair, setting a new single-game scoring record for her team as well. Clark, now with 3,569 career points, scored 49 in the game against Michigan, breaking the previous record of 3,527 set by Washington's Kelsey Plum from 2013 to 2017. The night unfolded in storybook fashion, with Clark making a layup and hitting deep 3-pointers, including one from her signature spot on the left side, to become the record holder in just 2 minutes and 12 seconds. The game ended with Iowa defeating Michigan 106-89, and Clark surpassing the school record of 48 set by Megan Gustafson. Reflecting on the achievement, Clark expressed gratitude for the support of those who have been her foundation.

This marked Caitlin Clark's fourth game in her career where she scored 45 points or more, and she also contributed 13 assists. Incredibly, she either scored or assisted on 79 of Iowa's 106 points, accounting for 74.5% of the team's total.

Iowa coach Lisa Bluder acknowledged the challenge of stopping Caitlin Clark, highlighting her exceptional skills. Bluder also commented on how Clark seems to thrive in significant moments, suggesting that her hard work in honing her craft is something she wants to share and express.

Contrary to earlier expectations of no stoppage of play when the record was broken, Iowa took a timeout, and Clark's teammates joined her for a jubilant group hug on the court. Clark's joyful expression and broad smile conveyed the significance of the night as she celebrated the record she had pursued with dedication.

Far from slowing down, Clark continued her stellar performance, shooting 8-of-10 from the field, including 5-of-7 from 3-point range, in the first quarter alone, amassing 23 points. It marked the highest point total she has achieved in any first quarter during her time at Iowa and the second-highest in any quarter, following her 25-point performance in the fourth quarter of a game against Michigan on Feb. 6, 2022.

Reflecting on the game, Clark noted that her shots felt good during warm-up, indicating it was going to be a special night. She played with extra energy, recognizing the team's need for a strong performance after a previous loss to Nebraska. Bluder commended Michigan for their hard-fought game and mentioned that they also showed sportsmanship by acknowledging Clark's achievement with congratulatory notes.

Caitlin Clark's phenomenal basketball career includes breaking the NCAA women's basketball scoring record with 3,569 career points, surpassing the previous mark set by Kelsey Plum. The historic achievement occurred in a game against Michigan, where Clark's remarkable performance led Iowa to a 106-89 victory.

Clark's impressive statistics extend beyond scoring, as she became the first Division I women's player to achieve both 3,000 points and 1,000 assists. Her contributions to the game go beyond records, making her a generational talent who is elevating the popularity of women's basketball.

The season holds the potential for Clark to reach additional milestones, including the AIAW large-school women's record of 3,649 points and the AIAW overall record of 3,884 points, depending on Iowa's postseason performance.

Clark's impact is not limited to the court; she is becoming a prominent figure in sports, drawing attention from fans of all ages. Her influence extends to endorsements and recognition from notable athletes like Patrick Mahomes and Stephen Curry.

Despite her accomplishments, Clark remains focused on the game, playing with passion, confidence, and a joyful flair. The "Caitlin Clark Show" has become a sought-after sports event, with fans donning her jersey and traveling significant distances to witness her performances.

Caitlin Clark's journey includes aligning herself with iconic figures in sports, such as Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Kelsey Plum, and Sabrina Ionescu. Her unique style of play, characterized by long-distance shots, has captivated audiences and inspired aspiring players of all heights.

Clark's decision on her future, whether to stay at Iowa or enter the 2024 WNBA draft, remains uncertain. The anticipation surrounding her next move is heightened by the impact she has had on the sport and her potential to continue shaping its future. The Carver-Hawkeye crowd even chanted for her to stay another year, adding an element of humor to the celebratory atmosphere.

Currently, Caitlin Clark's primary focus is on helping Iowa secure the Big Ten regular-season and tournament championships and making a return trip to the Final Four. As she continues to contribute points, she will further extend her own NCAA scoring record.

Following her recent achievement, Clark expressed that the most emotional aspect for her was the congratulatory messages displayed on the arena's video screen from her coaches, teammates, and family. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged the unwavering support from her parents and two brothers, who have been there for her through both challenging losses and exhilarating victories. Clark, grateful for the opportunity to play in front of large crowds with her best friends, emphasized her deep love for the game. The experience moved her unexpectedly, evoking gratitude for the journey that allowed her to pursue her passion since childhood.

https://teekaholic.com/product/american-flag-with-trump-keep-america-first-flag-for-presidential-campaign-trump-merch-2-sides-garden-house-flag/

https://teekaholic.com/product/congratulations-kansas-city-chiefs-win-by-score-25-22-san-francisco-49ers-final-ot-classic-t-shirt/

https://teekaholic.com/product/baby-yoda-san-francisco-49ers-holding-trophy-super-bowl-lviii-champions-2024-unisex-t-shirt/

https://teekaholic.com/product/congrats-kansas-city-chiefs-are-super-bowl-lviii-champions-nfl-playoffs-team-abbey-road-to-the-victory-signatures-unisex-t-shirt/

https://teekaholic.com/product/kansas-city-chiefs-2024-super-bowl-lviii-champions-team-helmet-unisex-t-shirt/

https://teekaholic.com/product/kansas-city-chiefs-defeats-san-francisco-49ers-become-super-bowl-lviii-champions-on-feb-11-2024-at-allegiant-stadium-skyline-city-style-unisex-t-shirt/

https://teekaholic.com/product/kansas-city-chiefs-snoopy-dapping-super-bowl-lviii-champions-trophy-unisex-t-shirt/

https://teekaholic.com/product/kansas-city-chiefs-super-bowl-lviii-champions-crown-chiefs-kingdom-unisex-t-shirt/

https://teekaholic.com/product/kansas-city-chiefs-super-bowl-lviii-champions-nfl-logo-for-fans-unisex-t-shirt/

https://teekaholic.com/product/kansas-city-chiefs-super-bowl-lviii-champions-shield-logo-unisex-t-shirt/

https://teekaholic.com/product/kansas-city-chiefs-super-bowl-lviii-in-vegas-champions-2024-logo-unisex-t-shirt/

https://teekaholic.com/product/mario-kansas-city-chiefs-stomps-on-san-francisco-49ers-super-bowl-lviii-unisex-t-shirt/