In Hawkeyes’ 108-60 rout of Gophers
Iowa star surpasses Lynette Woodard for career scoring mark, sets single-season 3-point record, Dean Spiros reports for The Jamestown Sun
Williams Arena was the center of the women’s college basketball universe on Wednesday, thanks to Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, and no one’s surprise — and a sold-out crowd’s delight — she turned it into a historic night.
Clark scored 33 points to become the all-time leading scorer in women’s central college basketball, reaching 3,650 points, as the Hawkeyes routed the Gophers 108-60.
Clark entered the fourth quarter needing three points to set the record. She missed a three early in the quarter, but history was made when she connected from long range with four minutes and 46 seconds to play.
The record-breaker proved to be Clark’s last shot of the night, as she left the game shortly after, along with the other starters.
Iowa coach Lisa Bluder, who knows how fortunate she is to watch Clark perform on a game-to-game basis, called Wednesday’s performance unique. Clark made 12 of 20 attempts, including 8 of 14 from 3-point range, grabbed ten rebounds and had 12 assists.
It was Clark’s 17th triple-double of the season.
“She’s the most dominant player in the game’s history, bar none,” said Gophers coach Dawn Plitzuweit. “What she can do on a nightly basis is mind-boggling.”
Clark broke the record of Lynette Woodard, who played at Kansas from 1977-81 when women’s athletics were governed by the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. Clark saluted Woodard for being among the players who helped the women’s game grow.
“I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do what I do every night if it wasn’t for people like her,” Clark said. “There are so many great players across the board. I’m thankful to have those people who have come before me.”
With the women’s record in hand, Clark needs 18 points to surpass Pete Maravich’s major college record of 3,667 points. Clark’s game has been compared to that of “Pistol Pete,” which she enjoys.
“I vividly remember people coming up to me in high school and talking about Pete,” Clark said. “They were telling me that I had to watch him on YouTube. So it’s super special closing in on that.
“It’s super special to be in the same realm as many of these talented players who have done many great things. Not just women’s or men’s basketball, but in basketball in general.”
Clark also broke the NCAA single-season record for 3-pointers. She made eight 3s, giving her 156 for the season.
It was only the second time The Barn has sold out (14,625) for a women’s game, the first coming on November 9, 2018, in Lindsay Whalen’s first game as head coach.
It was the second appearance of the season for women’s basketball royalty after an announced crowd of 10,868 was on hand for an appearance by local superstar Paige Bueckers and UConn in November.
Wednesday night saw a large contingent of Iowa fans who basked in the moment. Still, even those disheartened by a lopsided loss for the Gophers (15-13, 5-12) could appreciate being a witness to history.
“It’s cool to see the impact we’ve had across the country,” Clark said. “A lot of times, there’s a lot of Hawk fans there. It’s extraordinary; it never gets old.”
Clark entered the game needing 33 points to break Woodard’s record of 3,649 career points, and she came out looking as though she was determined to get there in the first half.
She wasted no time putting her stamp on the game, scoring Iowa’s first 12 points in the opening two minutes and 55 seconds. She made three threes while mixing in a drive to the hoop that resulted in a basket and a three-point play.
Wednesday night has witnessed the emergence of a large contingent of Iowa fans who basked at the moment. However, even those disheartened by a lopsided loss for the Gophers (15-13, 5-12) could appreciate being a witness to history.
“It’s cool to see the impact we’ve had across the country,” Clark said. “A lot of times, there’s a lot of Hawk fans there. It’s extraordinary; it never gets old.”
Clark entered the game needing 33 points to break Woodard’s record of 3,649 career points, and she came out looking as though she was determined to get there in the first half.
She wasted no time putting her stamp on the game, scoring Iowa’s first 12 points in the opening two minutes and 55 seconds. She made three threes while mixing in a drive to the hoop that resulted in a basket and a three-point play.
There was no break in the game when the record was broken, but Clark’s accomplishment was recognized over the PA system as the teams left the floor.
It was a nice gesture, but not one that was needed. The crowd knew what it came for, as witnessed by the countless cellphones recording every time Clark touched the ball after moving within three points of history.
Clippers guard Amir Coffey, right, shoots as Lakers forward LeBron James left, and guard Austin Reaves defend during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)/The Orange County Register
