Iowa Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark came into Thursday’s game against the Michigan Wolverines approaching history, trailing Kelsey Plum by only eight points for the all-time scoring record in women’s NCAA basketball history. Not only did she break the record, but she did so as only she can in a truly unbelievable overall performance, which many of her peers took notice of.
It didn’t take long for Clark to get her record-breaking moment out of the way in this matchup. In fact, she scored 16 first-quarter points, including a record-breaking three from several feet behind the three-point line.
CAITLIN CLARK BECOMES THE ALL-TIME LEADING SCORER IN NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL! 🏀🐐🏆pic.twitter.com/3qc9Poq6iD
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) February 16, 2024
This game was not only memorable because Clark broke the record. She would go on to have one of the best games of her career, scoring a career-high and Iowa record 49 points to go along with five rebounds and 13 assists in a 106-89 victory.
CAITLIN CLARK SETS THE IOWA RECORD FOR POINTS IN A GAME WITH 49! 🏀🔥🐐
(Also dishes out 13 assists!) pic.twitter.com/gb6KRQ4TYJ
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) February 16, 2024
Clark has had the uncanny ability throughout her entire career to transcend women’s sports and truly become one of the top faces in all of sports.
As you would expect, a number of prominent names in sports took to social media to praise Clark after her unbelievable performance.
Wow!! Only fitting you break it this way!! Congrats Big Time👏🏽👏🏽🫡 @CaitlinClark22 https://t.co/NUyGMZmZOC
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) February 16, 2024
Hitting her signature shot to break the record!! 3,528 and counting for Caitlyn Clark!!! 👑🔥
— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) February 16, 2024
Breaking the record in less than 3 minutes is hilarious.
— Lexie Brown (@Lexiebrown) February 16, 2024
My bad next game 😂 https://t.co/waUVTzGfWr
— Kelsey Plum (@Kelseyplum10) February 11, 2024
Even Clark’s biggest rival throughout her career, LSU star Angel Reese, offered her congratulatory comments on social media.
“Congratulations @CaitlinClark22 KEEP BREAKING RECORDS & MAKING HER-STORY,” Reese tweeted.
Congratulations @CaitlinClark22 KEEP BREAKING RECORDS & MAKING HER-STORY! 🖤💛🔥 https://t.co/jWn7QZZdkQ
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) February 16, 2024
Time and time again Clark has proven that she is not only the greatest collegiate women’s basketball player of all time, but also one of the greatest players in the sport ever regardless of gender.
This game further proves that point. And it sure looks like Iowa is going to be a top contender yet again in the NCAA Tournament as long as Clark is leading the charge for the team.
