Iowa Women’s Basketball Schedule Altered as NCAA Record Falls: Caitlin Clark accomplished a remarkable feat on Thursday, breaking the NCAA women’s basketball scoring record and setting a new single-game scoring record for the Iowa Hawkeyes. She didn’t have a specific plan in mind, but her performance left her with a satisfied grin.
With a career total of 3,569 points, Clark confidently stated, “You all knew I was going to shoot a logo 3 for the record.” Out of her 49 points scored that day, she made sure to leave her mark. It was a night that seemed straight out of a storybook for the senior star.
Entering the game against Michigan, Clark needed just eight points to surpass the previous record set by Kelsey Plum from 2013 to 2017. She wasted no time in achieving this milestone.
Right from the opening tip, Clark drove in for a layup. Then, from her favorite spot on the court, the left side, she nailed a deep 3-pointer. The crowd erupted in pandemonium when she followed it up with an even deeper 3-pointer from the same side, one of her signature shots from the logo.
In a mere 2 minutes and 12 seconds, Clark etched her name in the NCAA record books. By the end of Iowa’s 106-89 victory over the Wolverines, she had also surpassed Megan Gustafson’s school record of 48 points.
Reflecting on her achievement, Clark expressed her gratitude, saying, “I don’t know if you can really script it any better. Just to do it in this fashion, I’m very grateful. Very thankful to be surrounded by so many people that have been my foundation.”
Clark’s exceptional performance in the game was truly remarkable. This marked her fourth career game where she scored an impressive 45 points or more, and she also contributed with 13 assists. In fact, she played a significant role in 79 out of Iowa’s 106 points, accounting for an impressive 74.5% of the team’s total score.
Iowa coach Lisa Bluder couldn’t help but express her admiration for Clark’s skills, stating, “It really is difficult to contain Caitlin Clark.” Bluder also acknowledged that Clark seems to thrive in high-pressure situations, saying, “It appears that she truly enjoys these moments. When you put in so much effort and dedication into your craft, it’s only natural to want to share and express it.”
Interestingly, both Clark and Bluder had not anticipated any interruptions during the game when the record was about to be broken. However, Iowa decided to take a timeout, allowing Clark’s teammates to gather around her in a jubilant group hug on the court. The sheer joy on Clark’s face spoke volumes about the significance of this achievement. What she once considered a challenge had now become a cause for celebration.
She still had a long way to go. Clark’s performance in the first quarter was exceptional, shooting 8-of-10 from the field, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, and scoring an impressive 23 points. This was the highest number of points she had ever scored in the first quarter throughout her time at Iowa, and the second-highest in any quarter. The only time she had scored more was in the fourth quarter of a loss to Michigan on February 6, 2022, where she had 25 points.
After such a remarkable start, it was clear that Clark was destined for a remarkable game. She had a feeling that her shot was on point during warm-ups, and she played with an extra burst of energy. She understood that her team needed her to step up after their recent loss, and she was determined to deliver.
Despite scoring 31 points in their previous game against Nebraska, the Hawkeyes suffered an upset with a loss of 82-79. However, the Wolverines were unable to contain Clark’s dominance on Thursday. Coach Bluder commended Michigan for their efforts in the game, acknowledging their resilience, but also recognized that they inadvertently contributed to Clark’s success by allowing her to take over. In a show of sportsmanship, the Wolverines even wrote congratulatory notes to Clark, recognizing her exceptional performance.
Clark has the potential to achieve even more scoring milestones this season. The AIAW large-school women’s record, which was established by Lynette Woodard from Kansas between 1977 and 1981, stands at 3,649 points. On the other hand, the NCAA men’s record, set by Pete Maravich from LSU from 1967 to 1970, before freshman eligibility in college basketball, is 3,667 points.
Furthermore, there is a possibility that Clark could challenge the AIAW overall record of 3,884 points, held by Pearl Moore from Francis Marion University from 1975 to 1979. This will depend on how far the Iowa team progresses in the postseason. Currently, Clark is averaging an impressive 32.8 points for the Hawkeyes, who have four regular-season games remaining and hold a record of 23-3.
In addition to her remarkable records and milestones, Clark is a true talent who is contributing to the growth of her sport’s popularity. She has already become the first Division I women’s player to achieve 3,000 points and 1,000 assists. Her impact extends beyond the court, as she is admired by tennis champion and women’s sports advocate Billie Jean King, who described Clark as one of those athletes who excels both in sports and in life, making her a true champion.
She holds the title of the most popular star in basketball, not just in women’s basketball but in the entire sport. This prestigious position comes with a great responsibility to be a leader both on and off the court. Fortunately, she understands this and embraces it wholeheartedly. It is this understanding that will propel her to become one of the greatest athletes in her sport and a role model for future generations.
Despite the weight of expectations on her young shoulders, the just-turned-22-year-old appears to be thoroughly enjoying herself. She continues to play with the same passion, confidence, and joyful flair that she brought to the court as a college freshman in 2020, even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic when games were held in nearly empty arenas.
Now, the “Caitlin Clark Show” has become one of the most coveted tickets in the world of sports. Fans of all ages eagerly call out her name and proudly wear her No. 22 jersey. Parents go to great lengths, driving their children hundreds of miles, just to catch a glimpse of Clark’s extraordinary talent. On game days, she is escorted by the police to and from the arena, both on and off the court.
Thanks to recent NCAA rule changes regarding name, image, and likeness, Clark has been able to participate in national advertising campaigns. Even renowned athletes like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, considered the best shooter in NBA history, have publicly praised her skills and composure.
Curry, one of the players, along with Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Plum, and Sabrina Ionescu from the WNBA, acknowledged Caitlin’s exceptional talent. He praised her impressive record and admired her scoring and shooting abilities. Curry also expressed his gratitude for being an inspiration to Caitlin, stating that he doesn’t take it lightly if she models her game after him.
Rebecca Lobo, an media analyst, 1995 UConn national champion, and 1996 Olympian, highlighted the similarities between Clark and Curry that contribute to their success and broad fan base. Lobo described Caitlin as a complete package, revolutionizing the game in a unique way for women. She emphasized Caitlin’s ability to take shots from long distances and convert them at a remarkably high percentage.
Lobo drew a parallel between Caitlin and Steph Curry, noting their charisma and lack of physical stature. She explained that Caitlin’s relatability allows every child to envision themselves playing like her. Unlike other players who may require a specific height, Caitlin’s 6-0 stature is not a limiting factor for aspiring athletes who want to emulate her style of play.
The native of West Des Moines, Iowa, made the choice to attend college in her home state, and her decision has paid off tremendously. She has led Iowa to back-to-back Big Ten tournament championships and even reached the women’s Final Four in 2023. Last season, she made history by breaking the record for scoring in an NCAA tournament with an impressive 191 points. She also achieved the first-ever 40-point triple-double in NCAA postseason history. Her leadership and skills were evident when she guided Iowa to an upset victory over the undefeated No. 1 seed and defending champion, South Carolina, in the national semifinals.
Although Iowa ultimately fell short in the championship game against LSU, the event drew a staggering 9.9 million viewers on ABC, showcasing the immense popularity of the 2023 NCAA tournament. This popularity has only continued to grow, as demonstrated by the record-breaking attendance of 55,646 fans at Iowa’s football stadium during a preseason game in October. This remarkable turnout set a new single-game attendance record for women’s basketball.
Julie Foudy, an Olympic and Women’s World Cup soccer champion, emphasized the importance of having superstars in sports. She compared Caitlin Clark to Mia Hamm, highlighting their ability to handle the attention and recognize the positive impact their popularity can have on women’s sports as a whole.
As for Clark’s future, she has the option to stay at Iowa for another season due to the COVID-19 waiver from 2020-21. Alternatively, she could declare for the 2024 WNBA draft, where she is highly likely to be the No. 1 pick. Clark has stated that she will make her decision after this season, keeping fans and scouts eagerly awaiting her choice.
The Carver-Hawkeye crowd showed their appreciation for Clark by chanting “One more year!” at the end of Thursday’s game. Coach Bluder jokingly responded by saying she had paid them, acknowledging the enthusiasm and support from the fans.
Currently, Clark’s main focus is on winning both the Big Ten regular-season and tournament championships for Iowa, as well as making a return trip to the Final Four. Each point she scores adds to her own NCAA record.
After the game, Clark expressed that the congratulatory messages displayed on the arena’s video screen from her coaches, teammates, and family were what touched her the most emotionally.
“My parents and two brothers have witnessed me go through tough losses and incredible victories,” Clark shared. “They have always been there, motivating me to strive for greatness and encouraging me to dream since I was a young girl. I didn’t plan on shedding tears tonight, but it did get to me a little bit.
“I am incredibly grateful every single day because I have the opportunity to play in front of 15,000 people. I get to share this experience with my closest friends, and I am fortunate to be able to play the game that I love more than anything.”