Caitlin Clark became the NCAA scoring leader with 3,668 points after knocking down technical free-throws with under one second left in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday.
The Hawkeyes were awarded free throws after Cotie McMahon bumped into Clark, causing her to gesture at the referees and seemingly ask for a tech.
Some fans were frustrated with the call and accused Clark, who has an NIL valuation of $3.1 million according to On3, of flopping and making the most of very little contract.
“She’s so frustrating to watch unless you’re an Iowa fan. She’s so good but has the absolute worst attitude,” a fan posted on X.
However, other fans looked past the reason for the foul and congratulated Clark on breaking Pete Maravich’s long-standing record.
Will Caitlin Clark be returning to the Iowa Hawkeyes next season?
Caitlin Clark can return to the Iowa Hawkeyes for a fifth season due to the COVID season granting student-athletes an additional year of eligibility.
However, before Sunday’s game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, Clark announced that she would be forgoing the extra year of eligibility and entering the 2024 WNBA draft.
She is the presumptive first-overall pick and is expected to head to the Indiana Fever as they won the WNBA draft lottery.
Who is the closest to breaking Clark’s record now?
While it took 54 years for someone to break LSU legend “Pistol” Pete Maravich’s NCAA scoring record, there are a few players getting closer to the total.
While it seems that Clark will hold the record for a while, two players from the men’s and women’s categories could make a run if they return for the 2025 college basketball season.
Syracuse’s Dyaiasha Fair has recorded 3,328 points and is fifth in women’s all-time scoring. The Texas Longhorns’ Max Abrams is 11th in men’s scoring with 3,039 points. Both are eligible for a fifth year and it will be interesting to see if either returns.
Also Read: 3 reasons why Caitlin Clark breaking Pete Maravich’s record holds special place in college basketball
