12 Times Caitlin Clark Lit Up the Court

Caitlin Clark has made a career of lighting up courts with a mix of precision, audacity, and heart.

Alyana Aguja
June 29, 2025
5 min read

12 Times Caitlin Clark Lit Up the Court — Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

In a college career that redefined what’s possible in women’s basketball, Caitlin Clark became a walking highlight reel, an offensive magician, and a cultural phenomenon. Her scoring prowess and court vision set her apart, but it’s the fire behind every shot that made fans fall in love. Each moment on this list isn’t just about stats — it’s about presence, legacy, and the thrill of watching someone rewrite history in real time.

1. Iowa vs. Michigan, 2022 (February 6)

Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

Caitlin Clark exploded for 46 points in Ann Arbor, including a deep logo three that silenced the home crowd. She carried Iowa on her back, nearly willing them to victory in a hostile Big Ten environment. Her shot-making looked effortless, like someone playing in fast-forward while everyone else lagged behind.

2. Iowa vs. Indiana, 2023 Big Ten Championship (March 5)

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With the title on the line, Clark dropped a 30-point triple-double and hit the game-winning buzzer-beater. She screamed with raw emotion as the ball swished through, sealing one of the most clutch shots in Big Ten history. That day, she wasn’t just a player — she was a one-woman storm.

3. Iowa vs. South Carolina, 2023 Final Four (March 31)

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Clark dismantled the undefeated Gamecocks with a 41-point masterpiece, snapping their 42-game winning streak. Her court vision cut through the country’s top defense like a scalpel, and she became the first player in Final Four history with a 40-point triple-double. It was the kind of performance that turns doubters into believers.

4. Iowa vs. Louisville, 2023 Elite Eight (March 26)

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She carved up Louisville with another 41-point triple-double, making the impossible look casual. Her confidence radiated through every dribble and no-look dime, a rare kind of charisma that filled the gym. Clark wasn’t just playing basketball — she was performing art in motion.

5. Iowa vs. Minnesota, 2023 (December 30)

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Clark dropped 33 points and became the fastest Division I player ever to reach 2,000 career points. It was her 75th game, and yet she looked like she was just getting started. Fans in Minneapolis left the arena knowing they’d witnessed a generational scorer in her element.

6. Iowa vs. Michigan, 2022 (February 27)

Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

With 38 points and nine assists, Clark reached the 900-point mark for the season — just the 7th player in NCAA history to do it. Her range seemed limitless that night, as she hit shot after shot from well beyond the arc. It felt less like a game and more like a showcase of her basketball genius.

7. Iowa vs. Ohio State, 2024 Big Ten Championship (March 3)

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In front of a packed crowd, Clark torched Ohio State for 30 points and 11 assists to secure Iowa’s third straight conference title. She orchestrated the offense like a maestro, adjusting tempo and tempo with every pass and pull-up. That night, she showed that greatness can be both loud and surgical.

8. Iowa vs. West Virginia, 2024 NCAA Second Round (March 25)

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Under pressure and double-teamed all game, Clark still managed 32 points, including a clutch step-back three to pull away late. Her intensity never dipped, and her poise withstood the chaos. It was gritty, not glamorous — and maybe that’s what made it more impressive.

9. Iowa vs. LSU, 2024 Elite Eight Rematch (April 1)

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Clark exacted revenge on LSU with 41 points, including nine three-pointers, silencing the critics who called the 2023 loss a fluke. She stared down defenders and celebrated like someone who’d been waiting 365 days for redemption. That game redefined her as not just a scorer, but a statement-maker.

10. Iowa vs. UConn, 2024 Final Four (April 5)

Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK

With a trip to the championship on the line, Clark dropped 21 points and made two clutch free throws in the final seconds to edge out UConn. She didn’t have to dominate the box score — her leadership and composure spoke louder. This was the performance of a seasoned floor general, not just a sharpshooter.

11. Iowa vs. Nebraska, 2024 (February 11)

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She lit up Nebraska with 38 points and hit a buzzer-beater from the Hawkeye logo, sending the home crowd into chaos. That shot became an instant highlight reel moment, even for those who weren’t watching live. Her sense of timing and drama felt almost theatrical — like she knew when the whole world was watching.

12. Iowa vs. Michigan, 2024 (March 9)

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Clark broke the Big Ten scoring record with a 49-point game, surpassing Megan Gustafson’s total in a fireworks show of deep threes and fast-break finishes. The arena paused as fans stood to witness a milestone built on countless hours of practice and passion. When history happened, Clark made sure it was loud.