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"You break it, you own it." That was the Nike theme of Thursday night.
What an extraordinary evening for Iowa Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark. Despite Michigan employing a box-and-one defense, Clark proved she was unstoppable.
She started the night just eight points shy of the all-time Division 1 women's basketball scoring title. In front of a packed crowd at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Clark reached this milestone less than three minutes into the game. The historic shot came on a three-pointer with 7:48 remaining in the first quarter, assisted by Gabbie Marshall. She finished the night with a career-high 49 points, 5 rebounds, and 13 assists, on 16-31 (51.6 percent field goal shooting).
Usually not one to display much emotion on the court, Clark was seen shedding tears last night. The reason? The overwhelming support from her family and brothers. Clark was quick to acknowledge the unwavering support she has received from her teammates, coaches, and parents through both the triumphs and challenges. The tribute video was very emotional, as Clark watched from the court.
THE shot. @caitlinclark22 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/Pd442DeYzR
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) February 16, 2024
Clark is close to passing Pete Maravich for the all-time scoring record
With a grin, Clark expressed certainty about the manner in which she would surpass the scoring record.
"You all knew I was going to shoot a logo three for the record, come on now," Clark said post game followed by laughter. (Iowa Hawkeyes PR).
Clark has now surpassed Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum, becoming the top scorer in Division 1 Women's Basketball with 3,569 points. She currently trails Antoine Davis of Detroit Mercy by 95 points, who holds the second all-time position for Division 1 men's basketball with 3,664 points.
"Pistol Pete" Maravich, representing LSU, remains at the pinnacle of the leaderboards as the all-time leading scorer in Division 1 NCAA men's basketball with 3,667 points. With a gap of 98 points behind Maravich, Clark would have to maintain an average of 24.5 points or higher over the remaining four games of the season. With Clark averaging 32.8 points on the season, she's on pace to break Maravich's record. This would likely occur on senior night, against Ohio State, on Mar. 3.
Caitlin Clark. All-time DI Women’s Basketball Scorer. A household name. #NCAAWBB x @IowaWBB pic.twitter.com/dJ6b1re8Ny
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) February 16, 2024
The Caitlin Clark effect is REAL
As her family looked on, the crowd burst into cheers as Clark hurried back into transition defense. With 7:18 remaining in the first quarter, her teammates greeted the basketball sensation on the court. Clark, sporting a wide smile, shared an emotional moment with Iowa head coach Lisa Blunder. After taking a seat to replenish with fluids, she received a standing ovation, and announcement at the arena.
Laughing it off, Clark stated "I thought coach Blunder was going to call the timeout before I had to go play defense. But she didn't, so I had to go play defense."
Admitting she could've hit the shot much earlier, Clark insisted she was a tad tired. After all, she scored a total of eight minutes in less than three minutes. All too real, the Hawkeyes guard remembers the moment as clear as ever.
"I think I kind of stepped back to my left a little bit and was able to get it off." said Clark (Hawkeyes PR)
Beaming during the post-game press conference, Clark expressed gratitude for the experience.
"I don't know if you can script it any better," Clark told the media. "Just to do it in this fashion, I'm very grateful. I'm very thankful to be surrounded by so many people that have kind of been my foundation ij everything that I've done since I was a young little girl." (Iowa Hawkeyes PR)
The Caitlin effect is real. The impact of Caitlin is undeniable, as she has profoundly influenced the growth and development of women's basketball. Continuing to assert her dominance on the court, Clark emerges as a transformative figure, inspiring not only women's sports but also young fans with aspirations.
In a league of her own! Caitlin Clark is your all time leading scorer! pic.twitter.com/PUliKhRHxl
— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) February 16, 2024
Caitlin Clark has elevated women's sports
By elevating the visibility of women's basketball, Clark emerges as a generational talent with a profound impact both on and off the court, a legacy destined to endure for years to come. According to the NCAA, schools that host Iowa and Clark have seen an increase in attendance up to 150 percent. And let's not overlook the 55,646 spectators who attended a preseason game against DePaul at Kinnick Stadium. This alone shattered the all-time attendance record for women's basketball (NCAA).
"The way these fans support women's basketball is so special," Caitlin Clark said.
In addition to her rising popularity, three of Iowa's games have been aired on major networks this season. Leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, the Iowa vs. Nebraska game garnered an astonishing 1.77 million views, setting a record for women's basketball on the Fox network. With women's sports raising in popularity, thanks to Clark and other rising players, ESPN has a new eight year media deal with the NCAA.
Gaining popularity by leaps and bounds, Clark transcends mere scoring. With averages of 6.9 rebounds and 8.5 assists, the guard showcases elite skills on the glass and is a remarkable playmaker. Reflecting on her early days with the Hawkeyes, she recalls the sparse media presence at games. Nonetheless, she maintains that her approach to the game has remained unchanged.
"There was like no one here," said Clark on her first game with Iowa her Freshman year. "I saw some clips of me playing the other day--I look a lot different, my hair is a lot longer, I'm very very scrawny, I had no muscle definition. A lot of my game is the exact same, so that was funny to watch, and it's crazy how time flies. It feels just yesterday I was playing that game with nobody in the stands, wearing a mask on the bench. It's kind of cool to see the evolution of what this has become." (Hawkeyes PR).
The Caitlin Clark effect.
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 11, 2024
Every @IowaWBB away game has been a selloutpic.twitter.com/i3CUjhVKhb
Despite breaking the record, Caitlin Clark is all about her team
Despite the historic nature of the night, Clark redirected her gratitude towards her teammates and their exemplary performance against Michigan. With four games left in the season, the guard is fully focused on finishing strong and making a deep run into March Madness. At 23-3, Iowa remains the No. 4 seed.
"I think getting this record is tremendous and has to be celebrated," Clark told the press. "There's been so many people to come before me and lay such a great foundation for women's basketball and that has to be celebrated too. We are getting into the best part of basketball season. These are the times where your team really shows who they are. I think Iowa basketball is at such a high right now, and it's so fun to watch. Just trying to enjoy every single second, because this team is special." (Hawkeyes PR).
Expressing we wouldn't be where she is without her teammates, Clark insisted "Going forward, it's all Iowa basketball, and that's what it should be."
Iowa's next challenge awaits as they prepare to face off against No. 14 Indiana on the road on February 22nd. Following that matchup, they will go head-to-head against Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio State in their upcoming games.
One of the best to ever play the game, the Iowa sensation is eligible to turn pro at the end of the year. If not, she has the choice to return to Iowa for a fifth season.
Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA related?articles.?Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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Iowa standout Caitlin Clark is on the cusp of becoming the all-time scoring leader in Division 1 Women's College Basketball, needing just eight points to achieve the milestone. She'll have the opportunity to make history in front of her home crowd when Iowa takes on Michigan on Thursday, Feb. 15.
During the USA Women's National Team training camp in Brooklyn, Kelsey Plum, a two-time WNBA Champion and star player for the Las Vegas Aces, addressed Caitlin Clark's upcoming achievement.
With the NCAA scoring record about to be broken by Caitlin Clark, let’s turn back the clock to Kelsey Plum breaking the previous record! pic.twitter.com/AnFOWL9X2e
— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) February 11, 2024
Kelsey Plum reached a challenging phase in her career when she clinched the scoring title
"I'm excited for her, I know its approaching quickly," said Plum after training camp in Brooklyn. "To be honest, I'm actually very grateful to pass that baton on, so very happy for her."
Plum, who's been vocal about her struggles in that past, particularly with mental health, associates the honor during a somber period in her life. Plum, who played four years for the Washington Huskies, is currently the all-time scoring leader in Division 1 Women's Basketball with 3,527 points. By achieving the personal accolade, she's all too familiar with the stress and emotions building up to that moment.
"I remember, to be honest, it was very much of a low point in my life," Plum told the media during a video call at USA Basketball mini camp about the night she made history. "I felt like a lot of pressure. "
And it's important to remember that athletes are humans too. Similar to Plum, several athletes have been outspoken about mental health, including WNBA legend Chamique Holdsclaw. In the NBA, Heat's Kevin Love, and Chicago's DeMar DeRozan have been transparent about their journey's. No matter how big of a star you are, or aim to be, it's important to take care of your mind, body, and soul.
Turning defense
— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) February 3, 2024offense at @usabasketball training camp
Jewell Loyd locking down on defense leads to a smooth dime from Betnijah Laney to Alyssa Thomas!
There 18 finalists that are competing for one of 12 roster spots on the USA Women's Basketball National Team. pic.twitter.com/0su6u2e1Dn
Throughout her illustrious career, the point guard has stated in the past that her journey to the WNBA hasn't always been an upswing. Draft No.1 overall by the San Antonio Stars in the 2017 WNBA Draft, Plum was part of the organizations structural changes and relocation to Las Vegas. In her six year career, Plum is a 2x WNBA champion, 2x WNBA All-Star(MVP), All-WNBA First Team (2022), WNBA Sixth Play of the Year (2021), among several accolades.
RELATED: The Las Vegas Aces repeat as WNBA Champions
Plum also stated scoring at the college level is vastly different compared the professional level. In a video press conference after training camp, Plum says you "score differently" at the next grade, especially since "only less than one percent that go to the pro level."
Plum, Clark, along with numerous others, transcend the label of being solely basketball players.
One month prior to the 2020 USA Olympics, Plum tore her achilles. Forced to sit out the entire 2020 WNBA season, she propelled Team USA and captured the inaugural women's 3x2 Olympic gold medal. This year, she's headed to Paris as a member of the 2024 USA Olympic team.
Regarding not just Clark, but athletes as a whole, Plum made an excellent observation that athletes are so much more than just basketball players.
"The media takes time to understand that it's just not a basketball player, but a young woman that has feelings and emotions."
Similar to everyone else, she's acknowledge Clark "carries it with grace." However, she admitted it's "a lot to handle." While Clark hasn't shown vulnerability, Plum wants to make sure she feels supported outside of the basketball word.
"If anything, I would just make sure that we show her love outside of her performance, and she'll break it," Plum told reporters after training camp.
My bad next game
— Kelsey Plum (@Kelseyplum10) February 11, 2024https://t.co/waUVTzGfWr
Shortly after the camp, Plum prematurely celebrated Clark hitting the milestone in a social media post on X.
"Congratulations on the record, and really your entire season!" Plum post "I appreciate what you do for the game, much respect and love! See you at the next level, hopefully sooner than later."
The same day, the Aces guard hilarious corrected her mistake with "my bad next game, followed by a laughing emoji.
Caitlin Clark is revolutionizing the world of women's basketball
https://twitter.com/NBCSports/status/1757181569570156665/photo/1The Caitlin Clark effect is real, and it's here to stay. In Nebraska's 82-79 upset over Iowa, a crowd of 15,042 spectators piled in to watch Clark and the matchup at Pinnacle Bank Arena. In the affair, Clark finished with 31 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, on 33.3 percent three-point shooting. For the first time in her career, the Iowa sensation was held scoreless throughout the fourth quarter.
Clark will get the chance to break Plum's record on Thursday night against Michigan. With tip-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET, the matchup will air on Peacock. With just five regular seasons left in the season, Clark will get a chance not only to break to record on national television, but to share it with fans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The most expensive ticket is going for $3000+ plus on Vivid Seats. The cheapest available on Vivid as of this afternoon is $311 in corner DD.
Caitlin Clark, 22, who's set to break the record, is averaging 32.1 points on the season, with 3,520 career points. She leads a new era in women's sports thats exploding with enthusiasm and growth. Although she's much more than just a scorer, Clark has had a profound impact on not only fans, but bringing women's basketball to a larger stage.
At 22-3, the Iowa Hawkeyes are the No. 4 amidst an incredible year. One season removed from the NCAA Finals, Clark was recently named the Naismith midseason team player of the year.
Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles. Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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