Caitlin Clark becomes Big Ten women’s basketball all-time scoring leader as Iowa blasts Northwestern

EVANSTON, Ill. — The Hawkeye faithful waited for hours outside Welsh-Ryan Arena Wednesday night for the first sold-out game in Northwestern women’s basketball history.

Caitlin Clark made it worth their while in a night full of more milestone achievements in Iowa’s 110-74 victory.

By halftime, No. 3-ranked Iowa (20-2, 9-1 Big Ten) led 47-32 and Clark had moved into second place on the all-time NCAA women’s basketball scoring list, surpassing Missouri State’s Jackie Stiles (3,393 points) and Ohio State’s Kelsey Mitchell (3,402 points). With 35 points in the game, Clark became the Big Ten’s all-time leading scorer and upped her career total to 3,424

At her current scoring rate, averaging 32 points per game, Clark is set to beat Kelsey Plum’s all-time NCAA record of 3,527 points in mid-February. She is the first player in Division I history to record more than 3,300 points, 900 assists and 800 rebounds.

“I think the coolest thing is the names I get to be around,” Clark said after the game. “Those are people that I grew up watching, especially Kelsey Plum, Brittney Griner, Kelsey Mitchell. Those are really great players that are still playing our game at the highest level.”

In an arena full of fans covered in black and yellow clothing, numerous signs were held by mesmerized young girls reading messages such as “Go Caitlin! You’re my Hero” and “Caitlin Clark, G.O.A.T.” There wasn’t a shortage of No. 22 yellow jerseys and even hand-me-down T-shirts with Clark’s name and number etched in magic marker, either.

Iowa has proven to be an offensive powerhouse. Averaging just over 90 points a game, the Hawkeyes are undefeated this season when scoring more than 81. They proved that point yet again in their sixth game this season with 100 or more points.

Clark finished with a double-double, scoring 35 points on 50-percent shooting and distributing 10 assists. She was also automatic from the stripe, sinking all 10 of her free-throw attempts. Although she shot an abnormally-low 25 percent from 3-point range, she didn’t fail to get the fans up and out of their seats.

By expanding the distance in which defenders need to pick Clark up after crossing half court, her presence alone creates opportunities for her teammates to succeed. She continuously found the open player in transition, which on this night happened to be Hannah Stuelke who contributed 17 points.

“She had a pass tonight that was just ridiculous to Hannah at the end of the shot clock,” Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder. said. “I just love watching it and I get to see it every day.”

It was evident that people in attendance Wednesday night enjoyed watching as well, as both Northwestern (7-14, 2-8) and Iowa fans gave Clark a standing ovation when she subbed out for the last time midway through the fourth quarter.

“Everybody loves her,” said Ricky Nelson, a 28-year-old from Aurora, Ill., who traveled an hour and a half to see Clark for the first time in person. Nelson ordered Northwestern season tickets in October just to attend Wednesday night's game.

“I thought it would be worth it,” Nelson said. “It definitely is.”

Up next for the Hawkeyes is a trip to Maryland to take on the Terrapins at 7 p.m. Saturday.