Caitlin Clark scores 45, but No. 2 Iowa falls to No. 15 Ohio State

Caitlin Clark is the best scorer in women’s basketball this season. She has moved into fourth place on the all-time women’s scoring list. And soon, Clark might be the best scorer in NCAA basketball history.

Clark, known for her logo 3s, is on pace to top Kelsey Plum’s women’s scoring record (3,527), set in 2017. Perhaps more impressively, she could also top the men’s scoring record, set by Pete Maravich in 1970 (3,667 points), set back before the 3-point line existed. It would be an impressive feat for the senior All-American who led Iowa to the national championship game in April.

Clark started the 2023-24 season with 2,717 career points, and through 20 games she’s averaging 31.7 points per game. Given that she’s never averaged less than 26.6 per season, she’ll likely break Plum’s record toward the end of February (provided she stays healthy). Then again, this is a player who has a history of 40-point performances, so it could happen sooner. 

Should Clark return for a fifth year – because of COVID she has one extra season of eligibility if she wants it – she would undoubtedly shatter both records.

How many points did Caitlin Clark score in Iowa’s last game?

vs. Ohio State, Jan. 21: Clark tallied a season-high 45 points but No. 2-ranked Iowa lost to No. 15 Ohio State 100-92 in overtime, dropping the Hawkeyes’ record to 18-2 overall and 7-1 in Big Ten play. 

How many career points does Caitlin Clark have?

Caitlin Clark has 3,351 career points (and counting!) after scoring 45 against Ohio State.

Points shy of breaking Plum’s record: 177

Points shy of breaking Maravich’s record: 317

When do Caitlin Clark, Iowa women’s basketball play again?

Clark and the Hawkeyes will be back in action on Saturday, Jan. 27, when they host Nebraska. Tip is set for 2 p.m. ET.

Caitlin Clark game-by-game points in 2023-24

Here’s a breakdown of Clark’s scoring this season for the Hawkeyes:

at Ohio State, 1/21/2024: 45 points (season-high)vs. Wisconsin, 1/16/2024: 32 pointsvs. Indiana, 1/13/2024: 30 pointsat Purdue, 1/10/2024: 26 pointsat Rutgers, 1/5/2024: 29 pointsvs. Michigan State, 1/2/2024: 40 pointsvs. Minnesota, 12/30/2023: 35 pointsvs. Loyola Chicago, 12/21/2023: 35 pointsvs. Cleveland State, 12/16/2023: 38 pointsat Wisconsin, 12/10/2023: 28 pointsvs. Iowa State, 12/6/2023: 35 pointsvs. Bowling Green, 12/2/2023: 24 pointsvs. Kansas State, 11/26/2023: 32 pointsvs. Florida Gulf Coast, 11/25/2023: 21 pointsvs. Purdue Fort Wayne, 11/24/2023: 29 pointsvs. Drake, 11/19/2023: 35 pointsvs. Kansas State, 11/16/2023: 24 pointsat UNI, 11/12/2023: 24 pointsvs. Virginia Tech, 11/9/2023: 44 pointsvs. FDU, 11/6/2023: 28 points

How many points does Caitlin Clark average per game?

Through 19 games in the 2023-24 season, Clark is averaging 31.0 points. Over her career, she’s averaged 27.8 points.

One of the most impressive parts of Clark’s game is that she’s averaged more points each season. Here’s how it breaks down:

Freshman year: 26.6 pointsSophomore year: 27.0 pointsJunior year: 27.8 pointsSenior year: 31.0 points

What is Caitlin Clark’s shooting percentage?

In a word: impressive. Clark is currently connecting on 48.1% of her shots and 40.1% from 3-point range, eye-popping when you consider the attention she demands from defenses. Her ability to score consistently from long-range is especially impressive considering that, according to ESPN, 68% of the 3s she takes are from 25 feet or deeper (the college 3-point line is 22 feet, 1.75 inches).

What is Caitlin Clark’s highest-scoring game?

Clark’s highest-scoring game came in her latest game in the 2023-24 season, when she hung 45 points on Ohio State. Clark shot 12-for-25 that game, including 7-for-18 from 3. She also grabbed three rebounds and handed out seven assists in the 100-92 loss.

How tall is Caitlin Clark?

Clark is 6 feet tall, according to Iowa’s basketball media guide.

Is Caitlin Clark a senior?

Caitlin Clark is indeed a senior — but she has another year of eligibility left if she wants it.