Kelsey Plum congratulates Caitlin Clark too soon for breaking the record for scoring.
Iowa had a commanding 69-55 lead over Nebraska going into the fourth quarter. With eight points remaining, Clark could have tied the record at 31 points.
Then, Nebraska became scorching hot, and Clark and Iowa were frigid. In the game’s last quarter, the Huskers outscored the Hawkeyes 27-10, and Clark went scoreless. The Hawkeyes suffered a surprising 82-79 away loss.
It appeared at times like Clark and Iowa were deliberately trying to find other Hawkeyes to score so that Clark could break the record this coming Thursday when they play Michigan at home.
Iowa undoubtedly paid the price, if there is any truth to that. The current all-time women’s college basketball record holder, former Washington Huskies guard Kelsey Plum, congratulated Clark on reaching the new record on social media before all of that chaos. Sorry. Kelsey, you have quite the jinx.
Truly, though, who can truly hold Plum responsible? It appeared and felt as though Iowa was poised for yet another significant road victory, and Clark was in complete control of the situation if she so desired. In addition, Plum sent a sincere and compassionate note. For Hawkeye fans, though, it certainly aged horribly. Give Plum some credit, though. She instantly acknowledged her error.
Clark is eight points away from breaking the previous record, just as she did when she started the fourth quarter against Nebraska. Clark should be able to officially capture the lead in scoring all-time against Michigan on Thursday.
After what happened on Sunday, many Hawkeye supporters will be glad to see Clark have her moment before returning their attention to simply winning basketball games.