Caitlin Clark made history as she broke the NCAA Division I record for 3-pointers in a season by a woman or man during Iowa's dominant 95-62 victory over Penn State in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. Despite a challenging shooting night, Clark's performance was instrumental in securing the win for the fourth-ranked Hawkeyes.
Clark's remarkable achievement came as she finished the game with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Although she struggled initially, missing her first 11 attempts from beyond the arc, Clark eventually connected in the fourth quarter to set the new record with her 163rd 3-pointer of the season.
Notably, Clark had already surpassed basketball legends like Pete Maravich as the all-time leading scorer in Division I. Reflecting on her performance, Clark acknowledged her shooting struggles but remained positive, emphasizing that many of her shots were close to finding the mark.
Despite Clark's challenges from long range, Iowa's depth and resilience shone through as they comfortably handled Penn State. Sydney Affolter contributed a career-high 18 points, while Gabbie Marshall, Taylor McCabe, and Kate Martin also made significant contributions to the team's success.
Penn State, led by Leilani Kapinus and Ashley Owusu, put up a valiant effort but ultimately couldn't contain Iowa's balanced attack. Iowa's head coach, Lisa Bluder, praised the team's collective effort and highlighted the importance of Clark's teammates stepping up when needed.
Looking ahead, Iowa advances to face either Indiana or Michigan in the Big Ten semifinals, with a chance to secure another title in the tournament. With the path now seemingly open following Ohio State's exit, Clark and her teammates remain focused and determined, understanding the unpredictable nature of postseason play.
As the Hawkeyes navigate through the tournament, Clark emphasized the team's experience and resilience, underscoring the importance of staying grounded and not taking anything for granted in the high-stakes environment of March basketball.
With this historic performance and a strong team effort, Iowa's journey in the Big Ten Tournament continues, showcasing their potential to make a deep run and compete at the highest level.
For more updates on AP Top 25 basketball and women's college basketball, stay tuned for the latest news and analysis.