Caitlin Clark made headlines by setting and breaking her own records in her final three college basketball games. The Elite Eight rematch between Iowa and LSU drew in over 12 million viewers, setting a record for the most-watched women’s college basketball game. This record was then surpassed by Iowa’s Final Four matchup against UConn, and the championship game against South Carolina broke that record again, with 18.7 million viewers tuning in to watch the Gamecocks win. South Carolina’s victory marked an 89% increase in viewership from the previous year and a 285% increase from the 2022 national championship game, making it the most-watched sporting event outside of American football and the Olympics since 2019.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley attributed the success of women’s basketball and the increased viewership to Caitlin Clark, praising her for lifting up the sport. Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson also congratulated Clark on her incredible collegiate career, acknowledging her role in growing women’s basketball and breaking records throughout the tournament. Clark’s extraordinary play this season led to record-breaking viewership and further elevated the sport, drawing attention and praise from across the basketball community.
One of Clark’s most prestigious accomplishments this season was becoming the all-time leading scorer in both men’s and women’s college basketball, surpassing Pete Maravich’s record earlier in the season. Despite her 30 points in the championship game against South Carolina, Clark and the Hawkeyes fell short of winning the NCAA title. South Carolina’s Raven Johnson played excellent defense on Clark, limiting her shooting efficiency and holding her to 5-of-20 shooting for the game. However, Clark’s individual success and the Hawkeyes’ impressive season cannot be discounted, even with the championship loss.
The loss in the championship game does not diminish the incredible season that Caitlin Clark had or the success she achieved throughout her collegiate career. She finished with a total of 3,921 points and averaged 31.7 points per game in her final season, showcasing her scoring ability and dominance on the court. Despite falling short in the championship game, Clark’s impact on women’s basketball and her record-breaking performances throughout the season solidified her legacy as one of the greatest players in college basketball history. Fans and analysts alike praised Clark for her talent, leadership, and contributions to the growth of women’s basketball.
UCONN’s Dan Hurley made headlines as well, deferring attention to his wife amid rumors of him potentially coaching at Kentucky, citing that he couldn’t afford a divorce at the moment. The focus remained on Caitlin Clark and her incredible achievements throughout the season, culminating in record-breaking viewership and the growth of women’s basketball. As the soon-to-be No.1 WNBA Draft pick, Clark received accolades from basketball legends like Magic Johnson, further solidifying her status as a transcendent talent in the sport. Despite the championship loss, Clark’s performance and impact on women’s basketball will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
