Caitlin Clark has etched her name in NCAA history, surpassing basketball legend Pete Maravich to claim the title of the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I women’s and men’s basketball.
The Iowa point guard achieved this milestone during her team’s final regular-season encounter against Ohio State on Sunday, where she entered the game needing 18 points to eclipse Maravich’s record. Demonstrating her scoring prowess, Clark scored 11 consecutive points for Iowa during the second quarter and subsequently converted two free throws just before halftime to break the record.
Caitlin Clark makes history 🔥
(via @CBBonFOX)
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 3, 2024
The pivotal moment came as officials penalized Ohio State’s Cotie McMahon with a dead-ball technical foul for disputing a call with merely 0.3 seconds left in the second quarter. With a composed demeanor, Clark sank both free throws, thereby tying and subsequently surpassing Maravich’s record, much to the delight of fans and teammates.
Reflecting on her achievement during halftime, Clark revealed that she wasn’t initially focused on the record while standing at the free-throw line, stating, “Not really…But then when they announced it and everybody screamed, that’s when I knew. Pretty cool.”
Clark’s record-breaking feat occurred amidst a high-stakes clash between the sixth-ranked Hawkeyes and the second-ranked Ohio State, with both teams vying for favorable seeding in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Iowa emerged victorious with a 93-83 win, securing the No. 2 seed in the forthcoming Big Ten tournament with a commendable 15-3 conference record, while Ohio State retained the top seed despite the defeat.
The game also showcased Clark’s exceptional performance, as she tallied a game-high 35 points along with nine assists, six rebounds, and three steals. Her remarkable scoring average of 32.2 points per game throughout the season has kept her on track to shatter Maravich’s longstanding record, which has stood unchallenged for 54 years.
Looking ahead, Iowa’s participation in the Big Ten tournament presents Clark with further opportunities to bolster her career total, with a potential run in the NCAA championship adding to her impressive tally. However, Clark’s decision to forgo her remaining collegiate eligibility and enter the WNBA Draft signifies the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in her collegiate career.
In recognition of her accomplishments, a towering six-story banner featuring Caitlin Clark was unveiled in downtown Iowa City, symbolizing her enduring legacy and impact on the sport. As Clark prepares for the next phase of her basketball journey, her record-breaking achievement stands as a testament to her unparalleled talent and dedication to the game.
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