Caitlin Clark, the star player for the No. 2 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes, made history on Tuesday night by moving into fourth place on the all-time NCAA Division I women’s basketball scoring list. Clark's impressive performance, where she scored 32 points, helped Iowa secure a dominant 96-50 victory over Wisconsin.
With her 32-point outing, Clark now has a remarkable career total of 3,306 points, surpassing Baylor’s Brittney Griner (3,283 points) on the prestigious all-time list. Clark achieved this milestone by sinking the first of two free throws with 7:02 remaining in the first half. Reflecting on her accomplishment, Clark shared that seeing Griner and Baylor play in an NCAA Tournament regional final in 2012 was a formative experience for her, as it occurred close to her hometown of West Des Moines. She described being in the same league as these iconic names as an incredibly special moment.
Head coach Lisa Bluder praised Clark's achievement, describing it as extremely impressive. Clark herself expressed her gratitude for these historic moments in her career, stating that it is sometimes hard for her to comprehend the magnitude of her accomplishments. She emphasized the importance of staying present in the moment and cherishing every second of her journey.
In addition to her scoring prowess, Clark also displayed her generosity. After the game, she gave away the shoes she wore during the game to a young girl who was wearing a Clark jersey. Clark's act of kindness brought a smile to her face as she slid across the court in her socks. She recounted how the young girl was mirroring the team's stretching routine during warm-ups, making the moment all the more endearing.
While Clark struggled initially, missing her first four shots and going without a field goal for the first nine minutes of the game, she eventually found her rhythm. She finished the game shooting 8 of 18 from the field, including 6 of 14 from beyond the arc. Kate Martin provided essential support with 16 points, while Sydney Affolter contributed 12 points for the Hawkeyes.
Wisconsin, despite keeping pace with Iowa during the first 13 minutes, eventually succumbed to foul trouble. The Badgers were whistled for 11 first-half fouls, enabling the Hawkeyes to create separation. In total, Wisconsin committed 25 fouls throughout the game. Serah Williams stood out for the Badgers, racking up an impressive double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
The victory over Wisconsin extended Iowa's winning streak to an impressive 15 games. The Hawkeyes, known for their free-flowing style of play, had 25 assists on 29 field goals and made 15 three-pointers in the game.
Looking ahead, Wisconsin will host Minnesota on January 23, while Iowa will face a tough challenge on the road against No. 18 ranked Ohio State on Sunday. Despite missing injured sophomore Hannah Stuelke in their recent game, the Hawkeyes showcased their depth, with players like Sharon Goodman, Addison O’Grady, and A.J. Ediger stepping up to contribute significant points and rebounds off the bench.
Coach Bluder commended her bench players for their performances, expressing confidence in their abilities. She highlighted the fact that despite Stuelke's absence, the team was still able to clinch a 40-point victory.
As Caitlin Clark continues to etch her name in the record books, her exceptional talent and remarkable achievements serve as a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. Basketball fans around the nation eagerly await her next noteworthy performance and marvel at her ability to create unforgettable moments on the court.
