Iowa star Caitlin Clark is only eight points away from breaking the all-time NCAA women's scoring record, and it's expected to happen when the Hawkeyes host Michigan tonight at 8 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Michigan is a fitting opponent for what's likely going to be Clark's historic night, as she scored a career-high 46 points against the Wolverines on Feb. 6, 2022.
Caitlin Clark said the best way to decompress is to “get off my phone and enjoy every moment.” Sometimes she unwinds with video games, cleaning her apartment or doing laundry.
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) February 14, 2024
She said she understands the magnitude of setting the scoring record. “I dreamed of doing big things.” pic.twitter.com/0TTtTbWPEj
The current women's scoring record is held by WNBA star Kelsey Plum, who recorded 3,527 points during her time with the Washington Huskies. Clark is averaging over 30 points per game this season, and she's had 52 career games with at least 30 points -- the most in college basketball over the last 25 seasons. She has been a force to reckon with offensively her entire career, as she has registered 20+ points in 110 of her 125 games with the Hawkeyes.
"It's pretty exciting. It should be a historic day tomorrow," Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said Wednesday. "Just eight points is what we are looking at for this record, and obviously she is just going to blast it out of the water. It's going to be fun [to see] how many points she adds on to that."
Clark broke Iowa's all-time scoring record on Nov. 12 against Northern Iowa, then became the Big Ten's all-time leading scorer on Jan. 31 against Northwestern. This season, the Iowa native leads the nation in scoring and assists.
Carver-Hawkeye Arena will be sold out Thursday, just like all the Iowa home games this season. The Hawkeyes won't just be feeding off the potentially record-breaking night or the crowd; they will also be hungry to bounce back after collapsing in the fourth quarter in Sunday's upset loss to Nebraska.
No. 4 Iowa (22-3, 11-2 Big Ten) is the top scoring team in the nation with 92.1 points per contest. Clark leads Iowa with 32.1 points and 8.2 assists per game. Forward Hannah Stuelke and guard Kate Martin follow her with 14.4 and 13 points, respectively.
This will be a tough test for Michigan, but the Wolverines (16-9, 7-6 Big Ten) shouldn't be overlooked because they did manage to upset then-No. 17 Ohio State in December.
Bluder described Michigan as a balanced team with multiple players who can contribute and hit 3-pointers. The team is led by junior guard Laila Phelia, who averages 16.1 points per game. Guard Lauren Hansen is another double-digit scorer with 11.6 points per contest.
How to watch Michigan at No. 4 Iowa
Date: Thursday, Feb. 15 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa
Watch: Peacock
What to know before Clark's historic night
- Clark's teammates and coaches across the Big Ten have nothing but praise for Clark.
- After Clark breaks Plum's women's scoring record, all eyes will be on her passing Pete Maravich's overall record of 3,667 career points.
- Clark was held scoreless in the fourth quarter for the first time ever in Sunday's stunning loss to Nebraska. That contest earned Game of the Week honors in the latest edition of Fast Break Points.
- By virtue of Iowa's defeat, Ohio State leapfrogged the Hawkeyes in the Big Ten standings, AP Top 25 poll and CBS Sports' power rankings.
