By Okon Ekpenyong

Caitlyn Clark, a senior player from Iowa, had a phenomenal last home game. On Sunday, March 3rd, she led her team to a 93-83 victory over Ohio State. She scored 35 points, made nine assists, and grabbed six rebounds in this record-breaking game. 

Her excellent performance also secured her place as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division 1 history, surpassing the previous record held by former LSU great Pete Maravich. Clark’s impressive performance in her final collegiate home game has made her a top prospect for the 2024 WNBA draft.

When LSU’s Pete “Pistol” Maravich ended his collegiate basketball career in 1970, he set a record of 3,667 points, representing an impressive 54 years for both men and women. However, it was not until 2024 that the record was finally broken – by a woman, Caitlyn Clark of Iowa.

In Sunday’s matchup, Clark entered the game only 18 points away from breaking the record. After an Ohio State player received a technical, she capitalized on this opportunity, earning two free throws and securing the record. 

“Not me over here getting emotional at the fact that women’s sports are filling arenas, women athletes are setting all records, and women’s games are getting broadcast on major networks,” said Merisa of Columbus. 

State knew everyone would be glued to this game, especially surrounding Clark’s record, and came into the game determined to stop her. As the nation’s second-ranked team, OSU did play to secure a spot as one of the number-one seeds in the upcoming NCAA March Madness tournament.

Clark not only surpassed the women’s record of 3527 and the overall NCAA Division 1 career scoring record of 3667 but also showed that this sharpshooter is a problem for most defenses.

“I’ve always been able to score the ball, but I don’t think people understand how many amazing players have come before me and been able to score the ball and do it at such a high rate and for good teams,” Clark told ESPN. Various networks, including ESPN and Fox Sports, broadcasted the historic game.

Former Washington star Kelsey Plum was the record-holder; however, Clark also surpassed the overall Women’s record held by Lynette Woodard of Kansas. And she would also go on to surpass Maravich’s 54-year record. In 2023, Antonio Davis from Detroit Mercy came close to breaking Pete’s record, finishing with 3,664 points on the men’s side. 

Woodard, whose career total of 3,649 points made her the career scoring leader in women’s central college basketball before Clark’s record-breaking performance, was not officially recognized as the NCAA’s career leader due to her entire college career pre-dating NCAA sponsorship of women’s sports (1977-1981), according to multiple sources. But there is no denying the legacy and impact of Woodard’s record, which stood for over 40 years.

“She has brought so much attention and excitement to the game,” Woodard said. But it’s also tapped into something everybody should know about the past. It’s beautiful. It’s a resurrection for the AIAW. It’s not forgotten,” Woodson told ESPN. 

There was much at stake as OSU made its way to Iowa City to face off against Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes. For Clark, it was her chance to solidify her record even more before moving on to the WNBA draft later this year. For OSU, it was an opportunity to complete a sweep of the two-game series. However, Clark’s impressive performance on the court also discussed the inequalities in college, which sports are, and the lack of recognition for women’s accomplishments excited both teams to shine on the biggest stage. Even if Iowa ultimately lost and OSU emerged victorious, today’s events in Iowa City will enter the record books regardless. 

One of the main reasons OSU lost this game was that they committed more fouls (23) compared to Iowa’s 11. This resulted in Iowa having more opportunities to score from the free-throw line (18/23) while OSU struggled (3/8). Additionally, OSU relied too heavily on three-point shots, and their star player, Cotie McMahon, only scored ten points in this game compared to her 33-point performance in the previous meeting between the two teams. 

The game was a neck-and-neck battle in the second, third, and fourth quarters, but Iowa dominated in the first quarter with a score of 28-19. Also, despite OSU’s impressive 15-game winning streak leading up to this game, Iowa’s Hannah Stuelke proved to be the real MVP with 23 points, nine rebounds, and two assists. 

As Clark continues to make history and pave the way for future female athletes, she also proves that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated sports. Her determination, skill, and resilience have shattered barriers and inspired a new generation of young girls to dream big and pursue their passions regardless of societal expectations.

In a time when women’s sports are gaining more recognition and support, Caitlyn Clark’s record-breaking performance reminds us that women belong in the world of sports and that their achievements should be celebrated and honored. As she prepares to take her talents to the professional level, Clark will leave behind a lasting legacy and a new standard for women’s college basketball.

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