Caitlin Clark Falls Short of All-Time Scoring Record in Upset Loss to Nebraska
History will have to wait.
Caitlin Clark, the star guard for the No. 2 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes, finished eight points shy of Kelsey Plum’s all-time scoring record as her team suffered an upset loss to Nebraska, 82-79. Despite Clark’s impressive performance of 31 points, the Cornhuskers managed to keep her scoreless in the fourth quarter and rallied from a 14-point deficit to secure the victory.
“We didn’t shut her down,” Nebraska head coach Amy Williams said. “But we’ll take it if we can get the win.”
The game took an unexpected turn in the final seconds when Jaz Shelley hit a clutch 3-pointer to give Nebraska its first lead of the game. Shelley ended the game with 23 points and even mocked Clark’s John Cena-inspired celebration, adding insult to injury for the Iowa star.
Clark, who now sits at 3,520 career points, will likely become the new all-time leading scorer in women’s Division I basketball when the Hawkeyes host Michigan on Thursday night. However, she insists that breaking records is not her main focus.
“I think it’s just about getting better and getting back home, playing in front of our fans and executing the way we know we can execute,” Clark said. “Obviously, it will be special, but I think the biggest focus right now is just finding ways to grow, finding ways to be better.”
Despite the loss, the Hawkeyes still hold a commendable record of 22-3 and are second in the Big Ten behind No. 5 Ohio State. Clark, who leads the nation in scoring with an average of 32.2 points per game, has been the driving force behind Iowa’s success this season.
While falling short of the all-time scoring record is undoubtedly disappointing for Clark, her determination to improve and focus on the team’s growth is a testament to her character and leadership. As the season progresses, she will continue to be a player to watch and a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court.
