Caitlin Clark, Iowa upend Penn State: Clark needs 39 points for women's record

2024-12-19 08:07:15 Scams

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Caitlin Clark scored 27 points, putting her just 39 from the all-time NCAA women’s record, but it was another Hawkeye who shined brightest Thursday night during Iowa's 111-93 win over Penn State.

Take a bow, Hannah Stuelke.

The sophomore post player, who had big shoes to fill with the graduation of Monika Czinano, was simply spectacular against the Nittany Lions, scoring a career-high 47 points on 17-of-20 shooting. Clark fed her all game, recording 15 assists (and a not-so-great 12 turnovers). It was the seventh time this season Iowa has scored 100 points or more.

"My teammates just did a really great job of getting me the ball inside," Stuelke said during a TV interview. "Our connection is amazing. I like playing with her. She sees the court really well and she always knows when I’m open. Just playing our ball, not listening to the outside noise. Staying focused."

The stage is now set for Clark to top Kelsey Plum’s record of 3,527 points, set in 2017, if she wants it, on Super Bowl Sunday against Nebraska. But the Hawkeyes will be on the road, so maybe she’ll hold off until Feb. 15, when Iowa returns home to host Michigan. Clark has 3,489.

One thing’s for sure: If Clark and Stuelke are unstoppable, Iowa could very well get all the way back to the title game.

"That’s what everybody has been waiting for," Clark said of Stuelke's performance. "She’s had glimpses of being really, really great like that. I’m just proud of her.

"To come out here and play like that, that’s exactly what we needed. I think she dominated. To see her confidence grow like that, to see her smile, as a team–mate, you’re just really happy.

"I just said that’s what you’re capable of every single game. I want her to know that, I want her to know how much I believe in her." – Lindsay Schnell and Nancy Armour

Caitlin Clark, Iowa vs. Penn State highlights

How close is Caitlin Clark to NCAA women's scoring record?

Caitlin Clark is 39 points away from breaking Kelsey Plum's NCAA scoring record following her 27-point outing against Penn State.

Iowa could have another record-breaker on its hands

Stuelke, who earlier in the game established a career high, is flirting with Iowa’s single-game scoring record. That’s 48 points, set by Megan Gustafson against Minnesota on March 2, 2018.

As it is, Stuelke’s 47 points on 17-of-20 shooting make her the third Big Ten player to go over 40 this season. – Nancy Armour

4Q, 4:53: Iowa 91, Penn State 81

This is kind of a weird game. The Hawkeyes are only up 10 according to the scoreboard, but it feels like they’re in total control — especially now that Stuelke has subbed back in. The super sophomore has 38 — can she be the second player on Iowa’s roster to have a 40-point game this season? – Lindsay Schnell

4Q, 7:39: Iowa 85, Penn State 72

It’s getting chippy in here.

According to some people watching the Big Ten broadcast of this game, some not-so-friendly words were exchanged between Clark and Penn State’s Ashley Owusu. As you’ll likely remember from the 2023 Final Four, Clark has a habit of talking trash. But to her credit, she can both take it and dish it out.

Clark has 23 points and a season-high 13 assists. She also has 12 turnovers (statistically, that’s still a decent ratio).

We’ve got quite a bit of time left though — what are the odds someone gets a technical before the game is over? – Lindsay Schnell

End of 3Q: Iowa 79, Penn State 63

It’s crazy how quickly Iowa games can get out of hand, but that’s a testament to Clark running the show — and how fast she runs it. Clark loves to push pace — and coach Lisa Bluder gives her the freedom to do so — which means the Hawkeyes often score in bunches.

Something to keep an eye on as we head to the fourth quarter: Clark has 23 points (she scored just two points during the third period) and 12 assists, tying her season high. With 10 minutes left to play, does she set a new season high? – Lindsay Schnell

3Q, 3:10: Iowa 72, Penn State 51

And there it is, the 16th triple-double of Clark’s career … well, kind of.

With her 10th turnover of the game, Clark has technically recorded a triple double, to go with her 21 points and 10 assists. I’m guessing this isn’t the kind she wants publicity for, but we are here to cover everything.

Also, Clark turning the ball over 10 times speaks to her brilliance — every other player throwing the ball away that much would be yanked and find a seat on the bench. But Bluder and Clark’s teammates understand that she is the epitome of high risk, high reward, and they keep her on the floor because they know she can take over at any time. She can also continue to deliver them perfect passes, and no one wants that to go away. – Lindsay Schnell

'Don't be a Sheryl': Hawkeyes fans rock T-shirts in support of Clark

Sheryl Swoopes might want to stay away from Carver-Hawkeye Arena for the foreseeable future.

Some fans at Tuesday night’s game wore T-shirts with “Don’t be a Sheryl” on the front. That was in reference to the “misinformation” Swoopes’ spouted about Caitlin Clark during an appearance on the YouTube show co-hosted by former NBA player Gilbert Arenas.

Her comments went viral, for their obvious pettiness and even more obvious errors.

Clark is adored by Iowa fans, so it’s no surprise they’d come to her defense. – Nancy Armour

Iowa's Hannah Stuelke sets career high

Iowa is more than Clark.

Sophomore Hannah Stuelke had already set a career high midway through the third quarter with 24 points. The junior was on fire, shooting 10-of-12 from the floor. The last time Clark was outscored by a teammate was vs. Drake on Nov. 13, 2022, when Monika Czinano bested her, 33-28.

Stuelke’s previous career high was 22 points, against Fairleigh Dickinson in the season opener. – Nancy Armour

Opinion:SEC, Big Ten group looks to fix college sports. More likely? Screwing up even more, writes Dan Wolken

3Q, 6:19: Iowa 68, Penn State 49

It’s nice to have Clark on your team. It’s also nice to have Stuelke in the paint.

A career-high from Stuelke is a huge part of why Iowa has created separation in this game. It’s more than just her 24 points though — she also has six rebounds and has owned the paint. Her development this season, after the Hawkeyes bid goodbye to Czinano, has been more than impressive. And if Iowa is going to make another run to the Final Four, Stuelke’s play on the block will be critical. – Lindsay Schnell

Iowa coach praises Clark's … passing? Oh, yes

While the rest of the country is fixated on how many points Clark has, Bluder is just as happy with another of Clark’s stats.

Clark had seven assists in the first half, dealing with Penn State’s defensive pressure by feeding Stuelke. Stuelke had 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting.

“I love it when those two get going together,” Bluder said at halftime. “Her passing is so good and she’s able to find that open person on the court.” – Nancy Armour

Halftime: Iowa 55, Penn State 44

This game has become one in which everything happens in threes — as in, Penn State hits three field goals in a row, and then Iowa hits three field goals in a row.

Iowa’s three in a row with a few minutes left in the first half are why the Hawkeyes lead by 11 at the break. That, plus their 60% (!) shooting percentage.

Also of note: Iowa has taken 16 free throws; Penn State has only been to the line twice. Clark does have nine turnovers, tying a career high — and Penn State has scored 11 points off 11 turnovers — but her 21 points mostly make up for it. That, plus she has seven assists and four rebounds.

One of the most remarkable things about Clark’s game is her ability to flip the switch. Midway through the first half, she was playing pretty poorly. Now she looks like the player of the year (again).

Penn State’s best stat so far is that the Nittany Lions’ bench is outscoring Iowa, 22-6. That’s great — but it’s not great that their starters have only accounted for 22 points. – Lindsay Schnell

Clark treated for cut on right hand

TV analyst Autumn Johnson said Iowa trainers are monitoring a cut on Clark's right hand. They showed a shot of Clark holding her right hand above her head, wrapped in a towel. But right after they mentioned that, she made a pair of free throws. – Nancy Armour

2Q, 4:06: Iowa 39, Penn State 38

Clark is inching closer to a double-double, but not the kind you want. Clark already has 11 points, including three 3s, but she’s also got seven turnovers. Not ideal.

At the other end, Penn State has hit all three of its past three shot attempts to pull within one. It doesn’t look like Ciezki will be back, but maybe the Nittany Lions can hang around without her.

The most crucial thing for Iowa these last four minutes is to make sure Clark doesn’t pick up her third foul. – Lindsay Schnell

Penn State coach on her team guarding Caitlin Clark: 'They're not scared'

Carolyn Kieger is happy with the way her Penn State team contained Clark in the first quarter. Penn State has been tough on Clark throughout her career, and this game was no different. She had six points on 2-of-6 shooting but also picked up two fouls in the first 10 minutes and had five turnovers.

“They’re not scared. They took it right at her,” Kieger said before the second quarter began. “I like where we’re at right now.” – Nancy Armour

2Q, 5:49: Iowa 37, Penn State 30

Quick timeout while Penn State deals with an injury to Shay Ciezki, who rolled her ankle on the last play. She scored six quick points for Penn State early, and PSU will need her to pull off an upset — let alone stop this little 14-3 run Iowa has been on the last 3:21. Ciezki had to be helped off the court and later helped to the locker room, clearly in pain. – Lindsay Schnell

End of 1Q: Penn State 25, Iowa 23

Since I commented on Penn State’s long-distance shooting, the Nittany Lions have hit four 3s. They’ve also scored seven points off six Iowa turnovers, including a layup to end the first quarter. Seven Penn State players have already scored. Meanwhile, Iowa’s Hannah Stuelke leads all scorers with 10 points.

If you want to beat Clark & Co., hitting 3s is necessary. After one period, Penn State is 5-of-14.

Also: Clark is back to start the second quarter. – Lindsay Schnell

1Q, 1:57: Caitlin Clark's second foul

Another interesting development: Clark was just whistled for her second foul (much to the displeasure of Iowa's crowd.) Clark was furious as she headed to the bench -- she'll probably have to sit till midway through the second -- and jawing at the officials. It'll be interesting to see how much talking they put up with from her. That foul was also Clark's fifth turnover. – Lindsay Schnell

'Clark tracker' part of Big Ten broadcast

It wasn’t long ago women’s sports struggled to get space on television. Now broadcasters are pulling out all the stops for Clark.

The Big Ten Network had a “Clark tracker” in the upper left corner of the screen during the game, letting viewers know how many points Clark needs to break the NCAA women’s scoring record held by Plum. It even had a sponsor, State Farm, which has a deal with Clark and has featured her prominently in commercials the last few months. – Nancy Armour

1Q, 4:38: Iowa 11, Penn State 9

Well that’s an interesting start … Clark currently has more turnovers (four) than points (three).

Talk about a trend you don’t see every day — something that I doubt continues.

Penn State is good though, and won’t be intimidated. The unranked Nittany Lons are smart, athletic and scrappy — and they gave USC a great game early this season. They had to deal with another prolific scorer that game in JuJu Watkins, so they’re likely not starstruck by Clark.

However, they probably can’t beat the No. 2 Hawkeyes if they continue to shoot 13% (1-for-8) from the 3-point line. – Lindsay Schnell

Caitlin Clark honored for becoming Big Ten’s all-time leading scorer

The accolades just keep coming for Clark.

In Iowa’s last game at Northwestern last week, the senior guard became the Big Ten’s leading scorer when she passed former Ohio State All-American Kelsey Mitchell with a nifty left-handed layup vs. the Wildcats. Tonight at Carver-Hawkeye Arena — the first time the Hawkeyes have been home in three games — Clark was presented with a commemorative basketball as the sold out crowd roared its approval.

Also of note tonight: The Hawkeyes are celebrating national Girls and Women’s Sports Day. As they just said before introductions, “There’s no better time to be a female athlete than right here, right now at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.”

It’s tough to argue with that. – Lindsay Schnell

Who is the all-time leading scorer in women's college basketball?

Will Caitlin Clark break the scoring record Thursday night? It seems unlikely, but it’s all anyone is talking about as they stream into the arena and find their seats. Everyone here knows exactly how far away she is (66 points) from becoming the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, and most know passing Kelsey Plum still won’t make her the all time leader in women’s college basketball.That honor belongs to Lynette Woodard, who played at Kansas from 1977-81 and scored 3,649 points over her career. That was back before the NCAA included women’s sports; women’s college basketball then belonged to the AIWA. That’s why, when people talk about Clark chasing Plum, they always distinguish it as the NCAA record.Woodard recently told the Wall Street Journal of Clark’s accomplishments, “I think she’s an awesome player, and what she’s doing is great for the game. Got interest at an all-time high, and that’s what is supposed to happen. Bring it on.”For more on Woodard’s accomplishments, read the WSJ story here. — Lindsay Schnell

Caitlin Clark takes the floor

No surprise here, but Caitlin Clark is the first player on the floor, casually shooting around with about 85 minutes until tip. Fans are streaming in — many of them in Clark jerseys — and many are walking over to watch her warm up.

How to watch Caitlin Clark, Iowa vs. Penn State

Iowa vs. Penn State will begin at 9 p.m. ET and be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, with Kylen Mills and Christy Winters-Scott serving as the announcers. The game can also be found on Fubo and streamed on Fox Sports Live. — Scooby Axson

Sheryl Swoopes engages in old-fashioned player hatin'

Sheryl Swoopes’ fact-free broadside against Iowa star Caitlin Clark that went viral on social media last weekend is an undeniably bad look for the 52-year-old legend.

Appearing as a guest on the YouTube show co-hosted by former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, Swoopes made the following assertions:

That Clark is a 25-year-old beating up on young kids. (She’s 22.)
That Clark takes “about 40 shots a game.” (She’s at 22.3 field goal attempts for the season and 19.7 for her career, while Swoopes averaged 24.9 in two years at Texas Tech.)
That the all-time Division I scoring record Clark is about to break isn’t legitimate because she has a fifth year of eligibility due to COVID-19. (Clark will break the record in less than four.)

Wrong.

But rather than pile on Swoopes, who briefly acknowledged on social media that she was mistaken about the scoring record but didn’t walk back the rest of it, let's look at this a different way.

Read more of Dan Wolken’s columnhere.

Want to see Caitlin Clark? Buy season tickets

EVANSTON, Ill. — Greg Mittelman just wanted to see Caitlin Clark play. As a University of Iowa alum living in Chicago, his best chance was the NCAA runner-up Hawkeyes’ Jan. 31 game at Northwestern. He tried to snag single-game tickets. But when they sold out in October — just days after becoming available — he found another option.

“I am a season-ticket holder for Northwestern women’s basketball,” Mittelman said.

He has yet to attend a game, but the investment was more than worth it. He purchased four season tickets for $150 total. For Wednesday’s game, general-admission seats like Mittelman’s were listed at an average price of $230 on SeatGeek. Each.

“I tried to get my friends to do it, but they’re all like, ‘You’re an idiot,’ ” Mittelman said. “But I think I’m the smart guy now.”

Read more from King Jemison, a graduate student at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism,here.See how far fans are traveling to see Clarkhere.

Three reasons Caitlin Clark is so relatable

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Maybe you have to witness the Caitlin Clark Experience in person to truly comprehend it.

From floor level, you see it all closer: the behind-the-back dribbles, the flying rebounds and coast-to-coast layups before the other team can get settled on defense. You see the twisting, slashing moves to the basket and the 3-pointers that go down after you think a defender has her smothered.

You see the smile, too. It can come in the huddle with teammates, or sitting at the podium with one of them after a game, or looking back at you when you ask her a question.

"I came to Iowa with huge aspirations and now I’m getting to play in front of 15,000-plus every single night and that’s so cool," Clark said Saturday night after scoring 38 points to help beat Maryland and get within 66 points of the NCAA women’s scoring record. "Those are moments that you really can only dream of and now I’m living it every single day of my life and that’s really special."

Read more of Stephen Borelli’s columnhere.

Caitlin Clark becomes NCAA's No. 2 all-time leading scorer

Caitlin Clark is officially the second-best scorer in the history of NCAA women’s basketball.

With a crafty layup with 4:58 left in the first half against Northwestern on Feb. 1, Clark officially passed fellow Big Ten All-American Kelsey Mitchell, who starred at Ohio State from 2014-18, on the NCAA's all-time scoring list. (With this bucket, she became the leading scorer in Big Ten history.) Her layup followed a 3 late in the first quarter that moved her up to No. 3 all-time, passing Jackie Stiles.

Caitlin Clark game-by-game points this season

Here's a breakdown of Clark's scoring this season for the Hawkeyes:

at Maryland, 2/3/2024: 38 points
at Northwestern, 1/31/2024: 35 points
vs. Nebraska, 1/27/2024: 38 points
at Ohio State, 1/21/2024: 45 points (season-high)
vs. Wisconsin, 1/16/2024: 32 points
vs. Indiana, 1/13/2024: 30 points
at Purdue, 1/10/2024: 26 points
at Rutgers, 1/5/2024: 29 points
vs. Michigan State, 1/2/2024: 40 points
vs. Minnesota, 12/30/2023: 35 points
vs. Loyola Chicago, 12/21/2023: 35 points
vs. Cleveland State, 12/16/2023: 38 points
at Wisconsin, 12/10/2023: 28 points
vs. Iowa State, 12/6/2023: 35 points
vs. Bowling Green, 12/2/2023: 24 points
vs. Kansas State, 11/26/2023: 32 points
vs. Florida Gulf Coast, 11/25/2023: 21 points
vs. Purdue Fort Wayne, 11/24/2023: 29 points
vs. Drake, 11/19/2023: 35 points
vs. Kansas State, 11/16/2023: 24 points
at UNI, 11/12/2023: 24 points
vs. Virginia Tech, 11/9/2023: 44 points
vs. FDU, 11/6/2023: 28 points

What is Caitlin Clark's highest-scoring game?

Clark's highest-scoring game came when she hung 45 points on Ohio State on Jan. 21. Clark shot 12-for-25, including 7-for-18 from 3. She also grabbed three rebounds and handed out seven assists in the 100-92 loss. See how many other college players have scored more than 3,000 pointshere.

Caitlin Clark's remaining games

Clark and Iowa will be on the road on Super Bowl Sunday against Nebraska. Tip is set for 1 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on Fox.

Iowa's schedule the rest of the season:

Sunday, Feb. 11 at Nebraska, 1 p.m. ET on Fox
Thursday, Feb. 15 vs. Michigan, 8 p.m. ET on Peacock
Thursday, Feb. 22 at Indiana, 8 p.m. ET on Peacock
Sunday, Feb. 25 vs. Illinois, 1 p.m. ET on FS1
Wednesday, Feb. 28 at Minnesota, 9 p.m. ET on Peacock
Sunday, March 3 vs. Ohio State, 1 p.m. on Fox
March 6-10, Big Ten Tournament in Minneapolis, times and TV vary

How tall is Caitlin Clark?

Clark is 6-foot. Big guards have become more common in women’s basketball the last decade or so, and Clark’s size absolutely helps her because she’s able to see over defenders on the break and get vertical separation when she goes up for a shot.

Also of note: Clark worked hard last summer to put on eight pounds of muscle and that has made a huge difference in her game, particularly when she drives to the rim.

Is Caitlin Clark a senior?

Yes … but she could come back next year and be a super senior if she wants. Though she’s projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, she could return to Iowa City next season. Because Clark was a freshman in the 2020-21 season, she has a COVID year (basically, that season didn’t count toward anyone’s eligibility).