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Caitlin Clark scores 38, inches closer to NCAA scoring records

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 21 games she’s averaging 32.0 points per game. Given that she’s never averaged less than 26.6 per season, she’ll likely break Plum’s record in mid-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. Nebraska, Jan. 27: Clark led all scorers with 38 points in Iowa’s 92-73 win over Nebraska, including a 8-of-15 performance from 3. She also grabbed 10 rebounds, handed out six assists and nabbed two steals. It was the 53rd double-double of her career.

The win puts the No. 5 Hawkeyes back on track after their upset loss at Ohio State last week. 

How many career points does Caitlin Clark have?

Caitlin Clark has 3,389 career points (and counting!) after scoring 38 vs. Nebraska.

Points shy of breaking Plum’s record: 139

Points shy of breaking Maravich’s record: 279

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

Clark and the Hawkeyes play Wednesday at Northwestern in a game that is, of course, sold out. Tip is set for 8 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on Peacock.

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

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

vs. Nebraska, 1/27/2024: 38 points
at Ohio State, 1/21/2024: 45 points (season-high)
vs. Wisconsin, 1/16/2024: 32 points
vs. Indiana, 1/13/2024: 30 points
at Purdue, 1/10/2024: 26 points
at Rutgers, 1/5/2024: 29 points
vs. Michigan State, 1/2/2024: 40 points
vs. Minnesota, 12/30/2023: 35 points
vs. Loyola Chicago, 12/21/2023: 35 points
vs. Cleveland State, 12/16/2023: 38 points
at Wisconsin, 12/10/2023: 28 points
vs. Iowa State, 12/6/2023: 35 points
vs. Bowling Green, 12/2/2023: 24 points
vs. Kansas State, 11/26/2023: 32 points
vs. Florida Gulf Coast, 11/25/2023: 21 points
vs. Purdue Fort Wayne, 11/24/2023: 29 points
vs. Drake, 11/19/2023: 35 points
vs. Kansas State, 11/16/2023: 24 points
at UNI, 11/12/2023: 24 points
vs. Virginia Tech, 11/9/2023: 44 points
vs. FDU, 11/6/2023: 28 points

How many points does Caitlin Clark average per game?

Through 21 games in the 2023-24 season, Clark is averaging 32.0 points. Over her career, she’s averaged 28.0 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 points
Sophomore year: 27.0 points
Junior year: 27.8 points
Senior year: 32.0 points

What is Caitlin Clark’s shooting percentage?

In a word: impressive. Clark is currently connecting on 48.4% of her shots and 40.7% 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 she takes so many 3s 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.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY