(CNN) At the same time LSU Tigers Taking home their first NCAA Women Basketball Championship, there was one player who stole the show March Madness.
of Iowa Caitlin Clark He went into the tournament with many expecting him to dominate, with basketball legends Steph Curry and Sue Bird among those joining the hype surrounding the junior.
Still with the weight on his shoulders, Clarke not only lived up to expectations, but surpassed many predictions during a historic game.
A record breaker
Clark lit up the Iowa Hawkeyes throughout the postseason and torched his opponents at every possible opportunity.
The 21-year-old scored an incredible 191 points throughout the tournament, including 41 points dropped in back-to-back games — the first time someone has scored consecutive 40-point games in the history of the women’s tournament.
Clarke’s scoring run surpassed any single-contest March Madness total — men’s or women’s — and ensured her historic performances will be remembered for years to come.
His eight three-pointers in the championship game were enough to break another record but — unfortunately for Iowa fans — not enough to clinch the championship victory.
Not only did Naismith break the Women’s Player of the Year singles scoring record, but Clarke was entertainingly dishing out times throughout March Madness.
To go along with her record-breaking scoring streak, the Iowa native also broke the women’s single-game assist record with 60 — showcasing her impressive, well-rounded offensive game.
This all-round talent was also on display then Clark’s 41-point triple-double in the Elite Eight — first in NCAA Tournament history in men’s or women’s competition.
Clark will no doubt be disappointed to come up short in the final, but his run throughout the tournament will never be forgotten.
Speaking after the championship game, Clark spoke passionately about his team’s run.
Weeping, the Hawkeyes star said: “The biggest thing is, I think it’s really, really special. I don’t think it’s going to happen to me in a while.
“I want my legacy to be the impact I can have on the young kids and people in the state of Iowa, and I hope I gave them a lot of joy this season. I hope this team gave them a lot of joy.”
Clarke continued: “I understand we came up one win short, but I think we have a lot to be proud of and celebrate. I’m that young girl, so all you have to do is dream and you can do it. Moments like this.”
The guard has attracted big name fans across the world of sports as a result of his amazing performances.
During the match, NBA legend LeBron James Tweeted Two-time Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes, who Clark called “pretty cool.” He shared his support for the guard And Magic Johnson He said want “Give lots of love [the] Super star.”
Prior to the contest, Curry, a four-time NBA champion, acknowledged the AP Player of the Year talent as he spoke in depth. ESPN.
“We know all kinds of centers around her,” explained the NBA’s record three-pointer. “But she does a great job of scoring at a high level, but also being a playmaker and distributor.”
The Warriors star, who knows a thing or two about shooting, added: “No shot is a bad shot, you can shoot it as hard as she can.”
WNBA legend Baird praised Clark’s tremendous athleticism, saying the 13-time WNBA All-Star said: “Her passing and scoring relationship is what will take her far.
“You obviously can’t open her up. So the closer you are to her, the more opportunity she has to create for herself and use that space to create for others.”
What’s next?
Clark won’t be eligible for the WNBA draft until 2024, so she’ll have at least one more year in Iowa before heading to the league.
Iowa fans hope their star player can go back next year and lead the Hawkeyes to another deep run during March Madness — and want to go one step further and lift the title.