Just two weeks after breaking the women’s scoring record, Caitlin Clark has now become the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I basketball history.
Facing the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday, the Iowa Hawkeyes standout needed 18 points to surpass “Pistol Pete” Maravich’s longstanding record of 3,667 career points. With a free throw in the second quarter, she achieved this milestone, making her the highest-scoring player in NCAA basketball history, regardless of gender.
By the end of the game, which the Hawkeyes won 93-83, Clark had scored 35 points, bringing her total to 3,685 points and securing the new NCAA scoring record.
After breaking the record, Clark acknowledged that it wasn’t something she was actively thinking about during the game. However, the celebration and acknowledgment from the crowd made it clear to her the significance of the achievement.
In a postgame interview, Clark praised her team’s performance and expressed gratitude for the support from her teammates, coaches, and fans, emphasizing the impact they have on women’s sports.
Reflecting on her time at Iowa during the Senior Night ceremony, Clark recognized the journey from playing in empty stadiums due to COVID restrictions to now having overwhelming support from fans.
Clark’s scoring prowess has been evident throughout her career, with standout performances like the one where she surpassed the women’s scoring record against Michigan and set a career-high of 49 points in a single game.
In a symbolic passing of the torch, Clark met with Lynette Woodard, the former record holder, to celebrate her new milestone and honor the legacy of women’s basketball.
Planning to enter the WNBA draft, Clark reflected on her journey as a college athlete and expressed gratitude for the support and opportunities she has had at Iowa.
With numerous accolades and milestones under her belt, Clark remains focused on leading her team to success and potentially securing a national title. Her impact on the game and the record-breaking achievement solidify her legacy in NCAA basketball history.
Maravich’s men’s scoring record of 3,667 points, set during his time at LSU, stood for many years before Clark surpassed it, marking a historic moment in the sport.
After an illustrious college and NBA career, Maravich’s legacy lives on in the record books, with his impact still being felt in the basketball world.