Nebraska upsets No. 2 Iowa: Caitlin Clark 8 points from scoring record

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Nebraska upsets No. 2 Iowa: Caitlin Clark 8 points from scoring record

Lindsay Schnell and Nancy Armour, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Wed, Feb 14, 2024 ·

15 min read

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Editor's note: What makes Caitlin Clark so special? Steph Curry, Maya Moore other hoops legends weigh in.

Heading into Sunday, only 39 points separated Caitlin Clark from women's college basketball history.

Clark scored 31 points in the 82-79 loss to the Nebraska Huskers — she went scoreless in the fourth quarter —and is now just eight points from breaking Kelsey Plum's all-time scoring record of 3,527 points. Iowa's next game is scheduled for Thursday against Michigan in front of her home crowd. It will be broadcast on Peacock.

Plum, who starred at Washington from 2013-17, has held the record since 2017, when she passed Jackie Stiles' previous mark of 3,393 points. Plum did so in jaw-dropping fashion, scoring 57 points against Utah during the Huskies' final regular-season game of the 2016-17 season.

A look back at today's top moments from the game.

Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts to a call against Nebraska during the first quarter at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Family affair

Jaz Shelley made sure her family's trip was worth it.

The Australian went off in the second half, scoring 10 of her 23 in the fourth quarter alone as Nebraska stormed back to upset No. 2 Iowa.

"I'm just so proud of this team. I love these fans," Shelley said after the game. "And my family is here from Australia. They just flew in yesterday."

Fourth quarter drought

Sunday marked the first time in Caitlin Clark's career that she played the entire fourth quarter and didn't scored. She wasn't looking to score much either, having taken just six attempts.

Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said earlier in the week that she'd prefer to have Clark break the record at home, but emphasized to USA TODAY Sports that she'd never put Clark in and tell her not to shoot. Still, Iowa's offense looked disjointed as Clark mostly deferred to her teammates in the final period, likely cognizant of how close she was to the scoring record. Nebraska was physical with Clark, too, and the senior guard didn't like it.

Also of note: Iowa has been missing Molly Davis, a regular starter, for awhile. Davis has been battling an illness, and played only two minutes at Nebraska. She played just four minutes in Iowa's win over Penn State Thursday night.

Whoops, Kelsey Plum

Kelsey Plum got ahead of herself, posting a Tweet congratulating Caitlin Clark for breaking her all-time NCAA women's scoring record.

"Congratulations on the record, and really your entire season! I appreciate what you do for the game, much respect and love!" Plum said on X .

Just one problem: Clark didn't break Plum's record. She finished the loss to Nebraska still needing eight points to pass Plum.

Plum later corrected herself with a follow up post , saying 'My bad next game.'

In Plum's defense, Clark is going to break the record at some point, most likely Thursday night against Michigan. And Plum isn't even in the United States, playing with the U.S. women at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgium. (The U.S. women have already qualified for the Paris Games this summer.)

A personal victory

This win was extra sweet for Nebraska coach Amy Williams.

The former Cornhuskers walk-on fought back tears when asked how much it meant for Nebraska to upset No. 2 Iowa and stop Caitlin Clark short of becoming the all-time leading scorer in NCAA women's basketball.

It was Nebraska's first win over a Top 25 team this season, and its first win over a team ranked this high since 2005.

"It's big time. So fun," Williams said, pausing to compose herself. "I'm so proud of Husker Nation and so thankful to be the head coach."

The day didn't go perfectly, with Clark torching Nebraska for 31 points.

"We didn't shut her down," Williams said. "But we'll take it if we can get the win."

Caitlin Clark scoreless in fourth quarter as Nebraska stuns Iowa, 82-79

What a crazy game, and a crazy ending.

After trailing by 14 in the fourth quarter, Nebraska outscored Iowa 27-10 in the final period to pull off an 82-79 upset over No. 2 Iowa. It came in front of 15,042 fans, a Nebraska women's basketball attendance record.

With 31 seconds to play, a 3 from Jaz Shelley gave Nebraska its first lead of the game, 78-77. Caitlin Clark time, right?

Wrong. Clark missed a long 3, Nebraska grabbed the rebound and Shelley hit a couple free throws to increase Nebraska's lead.

Iowa countered with a quick bucket inside from Stuelke, then Nebraska hit two more free throws to take an 82-79 lead with 14.9 seconds to play. Iowa got two decent looks at 3s, including one from Clark, but couldn't connect on either.

Clark, who finished with 31 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, didn't score in the fourth quarter. It was the 57th double double of her career.

Historic win coming for Nebraska?

If Nebraska can hang on, this would be an epic, epic win for the Huskers. A 10-0 run from NU has put the Huskers up, 80-77 with 18.1 seconds to play.

Not only has Nebraska lost its last nine games against Iowa, it hasn't beaten a Top 25 team this season. The last time it beat a team ranked as high as No 2 Iowa? You have to go all the way back to 2005, a victory over Baylor.

End of 3Q: Iowa 69, Nebraska 55

The sign held up by a little girl in the crowd says it all: "What Super Bowl? I love Caitlin!"

Iowa's superstar is about to steal the show, as her 31 points have put her just eight away from breaking the record.

It's getting chippy, too, as every Nebraska guard takes turns bumping Clark around the perimeter. Bluder is furious with the officials, and Clark isn't happy either. Nebraska is playing a dangerous game though. As many opposing teams learned the hard way, making Clark angry is a good way to make her go off on you.

Along with her 31, Clark also has eight assists and six rebounds. Is it possible she not only sets the record today, but also notches a double double or even a triple double?

4:43, 3Q: Iowa 55, Nebraska 44

Caitlin Clark watch: 13 points to break the record

After Iowa beat Penn State the other night, Hawkeyes coach Lisa Bluder said if she had it her way, Caitlin Clark would break the scoring record at home vs. Michigan on Thursday, Feb. 15.

But the first priority, Bluder stressed, would be wining the game.

And that's how we've gotten here, where Clark has 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting (plus six assists and five rebounds). With Stuelke in a little bit of foul trouble, Molly Davis battling a cold and Nebraska hanging around, Clark is starting to take over.

Halftime: Caitlin Clark says it's time to turn up the energy

Caitlin Clark knows what Iowa needs to win this game.

The Hawkeyes had their way with Nebraska early, only for the Huskers to fight their way back. They trail by just four points, 39-35, going into the half.

"We're not playing with enough energy," Clark said as she left the court. "I think we need to pick up our energy a little bit." Iowa likes to run, and Nebraska has been successful in slowing the game down. Clark said she thinks if Iowa pushes the tempo more and improves its ball movement, the game will be more to the Hawkeyes' liking.

Halftime: Iowa 39, Nebraska 35

Caitlin Clark watch: 22 points to break the record

Well it appears Caitlin Clark isn't the only shooter on the floor this game.

Nebraska's Jay Shelley is making sure Clark doesn't get all the attention, connecting on 3-of-5 attempts from long-distance to lead Nebraska with 11 points and keep the Huskers within striking distance. Both Nebraska and Iowa have hit four 3s.

But again, the difference is in turnovers, as Iowa has turned eight Nebraska turnovers into 12 points. Nebraska has only managed to score five points off of seven Iowa turnovers.

But there are a lot of positive signs for Nebraska in the first half. The Huskers have outscored Iowa's bench 13-2, they're winning the rebounding battle 21-20 and they've only put Iowa on the line three times. If they can keep Clark in check in the second half — she has 17 points but has taken 15 shots — they might be able to pull off the upset.

Caitlin Clark becomes just sixth woman to record 1,000 assists

A(nother) milestone for Caitlin Clark!

No, not that one. But a significant one nonetheless. With a bounce pass down low to Kate Martin, Clark recorded the 1,000th assist of her career. She's only the sixth player in NCAA women's basketball to reach that mark.

Clark's scoring gets the most attention. Obviously. With 17 points so far against Nebraska, she needs just 22 to pass Kelsey Plum as the all-time scoring leader in women's basketball. But she's so dangerous because she not only creates her own shot, she sets up her teammates, too.

Her five assists against the Huskers – so far – come three days after she had 15 against Penn State.

Brent Clark is a proud dad

Every game Caitlin Clark plays, whether at home or on the road, has become an event . Her dad would like to see that be the case for every player's games.

Brent Clark told FOX Sports sideline reporter Allison Williams during the second quarter that it was "really humbling" to see all the fans lined up hours before tipoff waiting to see his daughter. But the attention, he said, is warranted.

"This is what it should be like for every sports event," Brent Clark said. "Women's basketball is awesome."

4:27, 2Q: Iowa 28, Nebraska 24

Caitlin Clark watch: 29 points to break the record.

Nebraska seems eager to make it tough for Clark today. Though Clark just knocked down a 3 to give her 10 points, the Huskers are being physical with her anytime she drives the lane, and they've bumped her enough that she's missed some easy looks at the rim (and in typical Clark fashion, she's let the officials know she's not happy about the contact).

Meanwhile, Hannah Stuelke continues her hot streak for Iowa, already scoring seven points on 3-of-4 shooting. She's also got three rebounds.

Nebraska's effort 'not quite good enough'

Despite only trailing by three after the first quarter, Nebraska coach Amy Williams said her team's defensive effort is "not quite good enough." The problem, Williams said, is Iowa is getting too many touches in the paint. Credit Clark with that. With the Huskers clamping down on her outside, she's been feeding Hannah Stuelke and Sydney Affolter, who've been able to score inside.

End of 1Q: Iowa 16, Nebraska 13

Caitlin Clark watch: 32 points to break the record.

Not a bad quarter from Nebraska, though Iowa has turned four Cornhusker turnovers into six points, while Nebraska hasn't done anything with Iowa's three turnovers. Iowa is also dominating points in the paint, 12-4. That's a trend likely to continue with Nebraska's Markowski on the bench with foul trouble. Markowski has a team-high four points and five rebounds, too, so Nebraska is going to miss her on both ends.

Nebraska starter picks up second foul (too) early

Oof. Nebraska's Alexis Markowski just picked up her second foul and there's still almost five minutes left in the FIRST QUARTER. Upsetting Iowa, even at home, was always going to be a tall ask for the Huskers. Iowa has won the last nine against Nebraska, and the Huskers haven't beaten a Top 25 team yet this season, let alone the No. 2 in the country. But to have any shot, Nebraska needs a big game from Markowski, who's been averaging a double-double. That's going to be tough if she has to spend long stretches on the bench.

4:49, 1Q: Iowa 9, Nebraska 4

First, the update everyone cares about: Caitlin Clark is now just 34 points from breaking the record.

She's got five points already after a 3 (of course) and a nifty layup.

Many people think she'll hold off from breaking the record today so she can do it at home vs. Michigan on Thursday — which the diehard Hawkeye fans would surely appreciate — but Clark has always had her way with Nebraska. It might be hard to turn that off.

Iowa fans flood Lincoln to see Caitlin Clark

In case you're wondering, as you see all the black and gold in the stands, Iowa City and Lincoln are not exactly close.

Just how far? There are a little over 300 miles between the schools, which translates to about a 4.5-hour drive. But Iowa fans have traveled well all season, and a roadtrip isn't going to dissuade the diehards from seeing their favorite player take a crack at history. On TV, FOX Sports' Allison Williams said she talked to numerous parents in the stands whose kids wanted one thing for Christmas: Tickets to see Caitlin Clark.

Iowa vs. Nebraska: Time, TV for Hawkeyes-Cornhuskers

The women's college basketball game between the No. 2 Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in Lincoln, Nebraska . It will be broadcast on FOX, with Jason Benetti and Kim Adams as announcers. The game can also be found on Fubo and streamed on Fox Sports Live .

Could Caitlin Clark make the 2024 Paris Olympic team? It's complicated.

As Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark continues her climb up the scoring chart — the senior guard is just 39 points from becoming the all-time scoring leader in women's NCAA basketball — and fans turn out in droves to see her, a question has started percolating in women's basketball circles.

Could Clark make the Paris Olympic team?

There's precedent for recent graduates to play with the senior national team at the Olympics shortly after they graduate. But the schedule doesn't work in Clark's favor, especially if she leads Iowa back to the Final Four.

Clark-mania: A look at how much Caitlin Clark fans travel and spend to watch the Iowa star

By now you've probably heard that Iowa All-American Caitlin Clark, the reigning national player of the year, has a tendency to sell out any arena, at home or on the road. But for a closer look at #Clarkonomics — as ESPN analyst Debbie Antonelli has termed it — USA TODAY reporter Jim Sergent worked up a graphic representation of just how much Iowa fans will spend and how far they'll travel to see Clark in person. The numbers are eye-opening.

Caitlin Clark, like Steph Curry, has redefined what a good shot is

Whenever she breaks the scoring record — whether it's today vs. Nebraska or at home Thursday vs. Michigan — Caitlin Clark is likely to do so by launching a lot of long 3s. Attempts from the logo have become her specialty.

But initially, Iowa coach Lisa Bluder admits, it was hard to give Clark so much freedom. The superstar had to earn it. And now, much like Warriors guard Steph Curry, Clark has 'a separate set of rules.'

Caitlin Clark stats

Caitlin Clark has 3,489 career points (and counting!) after scoring 27 in Iowa's 111-93 win against Penn State on Thursday.

Caitlin Clark game-by-game points this season

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

vs. Penn State, 2/8/24: 27 points
at Maryland, 2/3/24: 38 points
at Northwestern, 1/31/24: 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 on Jan. 21, when she hung 45 points on Ohio State. Clark shot 12-for-25 that game, including 7-for-18 from 3-point range. She also grabbed three rebounds and handed out seven assists in the 100-92 loss.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nebraska stuns Iowa: Caitlin Clark 8 points shy from scoring record

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