In a historic moment for women’s college basketball, Caitlin Clark, the star player for the No. 6 Iowa Hawkeyes, etched her name into the record books during her final regular-season home game. With a stunning performance that saw her score 35 points, Clark led her team to a thrilling 93-83 victory over the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyeson Sunday.
However, amidst the excitement, a brief commotion unfolded on the court with 7:35 minutes remaining in the game and Iowa holding a commanding 80-67 lead. Clark found herself entangled with Jacy Sheldon in a heated moment, briefly tying up with the ball.
The incident sparked controversy among fans, with some expressing disappointment over the referee’s handling of the situation. One particularly disgruntled Ohio State fan took to social media to label Clark as a “criminal,” showcasing the intensity of emotions surrounding the game.
In the aftermath, supporters and detractors alike voiced their opinions in the comment sections, debating the nature of Clark’s actions and the referee’s decisions. While some defended Clark, citing the incident as accidental, others criticized the lack of a foul call on Sheldon.
Clark went on to make history once again
Despite the commotion, Clark‘s performance on the court was undeniable. Breaking yet another record, she announced her decision to enter the WNBA draft after the season, despite having another year of eligibility remaining. Anticipation had been building for Clark to surpass the NCAA scoring record set by LSU great Pistol Pete Maravich in the Ohio State game.
Clark‘s achievement came in dramatic fashion, sinking two free throws with less than a second left in the first half to surpass Maravich’s record of 3,667 career points. Ultimately, Clark finished the game with an astonishing 3,685 points, solidifying her place in basketball history.
The momentous occasion attracted a host of notable spectators, including legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan, rapper Travis Scott, and women’s basketball icons Maya Moore and Lynette Woodard, underscoring the significance of Clark’s accomplishment on the national stage.
