Caitlin Clark

ROSEMONT, Ill. — University of Iowa freshman Caitlin Clark made quite a splash in her collegiate debut, and the Big Ten Conference acknowleged as much.

Clark, a Dowling Catholic graduate, scored 27 points in her Hawkeye debut as Iowa defeated Northern Iowa 96-81 on Wednesday night in Iowa City, and on Monday she was named as the Co-Freshman of the Week by the Big Ten.

The West Des Moines native and 2020 Miss Iowa Basketball also contributed eight rebounds, four assists and three steals in the victory. Clark’s 27 points are the most in a Big Ten freshman’s devbut since Robin Preacely of Illinois netted 27 against Illinois State on Dec. 1, 1992.

Clark shot 10-for-17, going 3-for-6 from 3-point range, while adding a 4-for-4 free-throw performance to lead all scorers in her first game. She shares the conference honor with Maryland’s Angel Reese.

The Hawkeyes visit Drake on Wednesday at 6 p.m.