The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness, has showcased numerous remarkable individual performances over the years. Here are the 15 highest-scoring individual efforts in the tournament’s history:
1. Lorri Bauman – 50 Points (1982): In the inaugural NCAA tournament, Drake’s Lorri Bauman set a record by scoring 50 points against Maryland in the Elite Eight. She made 21 of 35 field goals and 8 of 11 free throws, accounting for 64% of her team’s points in that game.
2. Sheryl Swoopes – 47 Points (1993): Texas Tech’s Sheryl Swoopes delivered a stellar performance in the national championship game, leading her team to a 84-82 victory over Ohio State. Her 47-point effort remains the highest in a championship game.
3. Jayne Appel – 46 Points (2009): Stanford’s Jayne Appel scored 46 points in a first-round game against Iowa State, setting a Stanford tournament record.
4. Chamique Holdsclaw – 43 Points (1995): Tennessee’s Chamique Holdsclaw led her team with 43 points in a victory over Virginia, showcasing her scoring prowess.
5. Caitlin Clark – 43 Points (2023): Iowa’s Caitlin Clark scored 43 points in a 2023 tournament game, demonstrating her exceptional shooting and playmaking abilities.
6. Kelsey Plum – 43 Points (2017): Washington’s Kelsey Plum matched the 43-point mark in a game against Oklahoma, highlighting her scoring consistency.
7. Nikki Teasley – 42 Points (2001): UCLA’s Nikki Teasley led her team with 42 points in a game against Purdue, setting a tournament record for most points in a game by a UCLA player.
8. Ruthie Bolton – 41 Points (1994): Auburn’s Ruthie Bolton scored 41 points in a game against Iowa State, showcasing her scoring ability.
9. Tina Charles – 41 Points (2009): UConn’s Tina Charles matched the 41-point mark in a game against Baylor, demonstrating her dominance in the paint.
10. Brittney Griner – 40 Points (2010): Baylor’s Brittney Griner scored 40 points in a game against Texas, setting a Baylor tournament record.
11. Napheesa Collier – 39 Points (2019): UConn’s Napheesa Collier led her team with 39 points in a game against South Carolina, showcasing her versatility and scoring efficiency.
12. Arike Ogunbowale – 38 Points (2018): Notre Dame’s Arike Ogunbowale scored 38 points in a game against Texas A&M, leading her team to a victory.
13. Sabrina Ionescu – 37 Points (2019): Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu led her team with 37 points in a game against Mississippi State, showcasing her all-around game.
14. Breanna Stewart – 36 Points (2016): UConn’s Breanna Stewart scored 36 points in a game against Texas, leading her team to a victory.
15. Kaitlin Clark – 35 Points (2024): Iowa’s Kaitlin Clark led her team with 35 points in a game against Louisville, demonstrating her scoring prowess.
These performances highlight the exceptional talent and scoring abilities that have graced the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament over the years.
