Iowa’s Caitlin Clark made history on Sunday, breaking the 54-year-old NCAA Division I scoring record previously held by Pete Maravich. In a thrilling match against No. 2 Ohio State, the No. 6 Iowa Hawkeyes secured a 93-83 victory, with Clark’s standout performance earning her the top spot on the all-time scoring chart.
Entering the game needing 18 points to surpass Maravich’s record of 3,667 points in 83 games over three seasons at LSU (1967-70), Clark delivered a stunning 35-point performance, bringing her total to 3,685 points in 130 games. The achievement came just days after she broke Lynette Woodard’s major college women’s scoring record, scoring 33 points against Minnesota.
Known for her prowess in long-range 3-pointers, Clark’s record-breaking moment came at the free-throw line. After a technical foul on Ohio State’s Cotie McMahon, Clark calmly sank two free throws, pushing her past Maravich’s historic milestone. The significance of the accomplishment was not immediately apparent to Clark, who only realized the feat after it was announced.
Senior day celebrations at Carver-Hawkeye Arena saw Woodard, Maya Moore, and Nolan Ryan joining to honor Clark’s achievements. Woodard acknowledged the changing landscape of women’s basketball, expressing joy for Clark’s success in surpassing both her own and Maravich’s records. Woodard passed the metaphorical baton to Clark, emphasizing the honor in breaking records.
Adding to the excitement, Clark announced her entry into the 2024 WNBA draft and decision to forgo her fifth year of eligibility. Projected as the potential No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever, Clark’s decision has already sparked increased WNBA ticket sales, with an average resale price of $598 for Sunday’s game.
Despite the individual accomplishments, Clark remains focused on the upcoming NCAA Tournament, where Iowa is projected as a No. 2 seed. This prediction suggests the possibility of additional games at Carver-Hawkeye Arena for Clark, providing more opportunities to chip away at the overall women’s scoring record held by Pearl Moore.
Moore’s 4,061 points from 1975-79 at the small-college level in the AIAW stand as the ultimate benchmark. Clark, currently 376 points behind Moore, faces the potential for two to nine more games in an Iowa uniform, depending on tournament success. As Clark continues to make headlines and captivate basketball enthusiasts, her impact on the sport’s landscape appears set to endure.
In anticipation of further records being rewritten and new chapters in Clark’s basketball journey, fans and analysts alike eagerly await the unfolding story of this remarkable athlete. The significance of her achievements extends beyond personal accolades, shaping the narrative of women’s basketball and inspiring future generations on and off the court.
