Top 15 Highest-Scoring Performances in Women’s March Madness History

The NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament has seen some of the most spectacular individual performances in sports history.

From record-breaking games to unforgettable moments, these athletes have left an indelible mark on March Madness.

This article delves into the highest-scoring individual performances in the tournament’s history, celebrating the players who have scored at least 41 points in a single game.

The data is sourced from the official guides at NCAA.org and provides a comprehensive look at these incredible feats.

Record-Breaking Performances in Women’s March Madness

Since the NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament began in 1982, many players have delivered outstanding performances.

The tournament initially featured 32 teams, expanding to 64 teams in 1994, creating more opportunities for players to shine on the national stage.

Lorri Bauman’s Historic 50-Point Game

Lorri Bauman set the bar high in the first DI women’s championship tournament in 1982 by scoring a record 50 points against Maryland.

This remarkable achievement came before the introduction of the 3-point line in 1987.

Bauman’s performance included 21 of 35 from the field and 8 of 11 from the free-throw line, all without a single turnover in 40 minutes of play.

Her legacy continued as she became the first woman in NCAA history to reach 3,000 career points during her tenure at Drake from 1980-1984.

Sheryl Swoopes’ Championship-Winning 47 Points

Sheryl Swoopes’ 47-point game in 1993 stands out not only for its high score but also because it directly led to Texas Tech’s first national championship.

Her performance remains the highest-scoring individual game in women’s Final Four history, showcasing her ability to excel under immense pressure.

Jayne Appel’s Dominance in 2009

In 2009, Jayne Appel scored 46 points against Iowa State, nearly single-handedly leading Stanford to victory.

This win marked the Cardinal’s 20th consecutive victory before they eventually lost to the eventual champions, UConn, in the Final Four.

Sarah Ashlee Barker’s Double OT Thriller

Fast forward to 2025, Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker netted 45 points in a thrilling double-overtime game against Maryland.

Barker made 17 of her 25 field goal attempts, including four 3-pointers, and lifted her team to double OT by making three clutch free throws.

Despite her efforts, Alabama fell short, losing 111-108.

Consistent High Scorers

Some players have shown remarkable consistency, delivering multiple high-scoring games throughout their careers. These performances have solidified their places in NCAA history.

Candice Wiggins’ Dual 40-Point Games

Candice Wiggins is the only player in history to have two 40-plus performances in a single tournament.

In 2008, she scored 44 points against UTEP in the second round and followed it up with 41 points against Maryland in the Elite Eight.

Her efforts helped Stanford reach the national title game, although they ultimately lost to Tennessee.

Caitlin Clark’s Back-to-Back 41-Point Performances

Caitlin Clark’s 2023 tournament run featured several record-breaking performances, including back-to-back 41-point games.

Her first 41-point game against Louisville in the Elite Eight included 12 assists and 10 rebounds, marking the first-ever 40-point triple-double in NCAA tournament history.

She followed this up with another 41-point game against South Carolina in the Final Four, snapping the Gamecocks’ 42-game winning streak.

Clark repeated her 41-point feat in the 2024 Elite Eight against LSU, tying an NCAA tournament single-game record with nine 3-pointers.

Kelsey Mitchell’s Vital 45 Points

In 2016, Ohio State’s Kelsey Mitchell scored 45 points in a crucial second-round game against West Virginia.

Her performance was instrumental in securing an 88-81 victory, although Ohio State was eventually eliminated by Tennessee in the Sweet 16.

Memorable Moments and Game-Changing Performances

Beyond the high scores, these performances often came at pivotal moments, changing the course of the tournament and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Marissa Coleman’s 42-Point Comeback

Marissa Coleman’s 42 points in 2009 helped Maryland overcome an 18-point deficit against Vanderbilt in the Sweet 16.

Her game-high 15 rebounds and go-ahead basket with 27.9 seconds left secured a 78-74 victory, propelling the Terrapins to the Elite Eight.

Elizabeth Kitley’s Upset Despite 42 Points

Elizabeth Kitley scored 42 points for Virginia Tech in a 2022 first-round game against Florida Gulf Coast.

Despite her efforts, the Hokies were upset, losing 84-81. Kitley was one of only two players for Virginia Tech to score in double figures during the game.

Jackie Stiles’ Sweet 16 Heroics

Jackie Stiles’ 41 points in 2001 against Duke sent Missouri State to the Elite Eight.

Stiles outscored the Blue Devils 16-10 in the final eight minutes and 11 seconds, showcasing her clutch performance in critical moments.

Morgan William’s Instant Classic

In 2017, Morgan William scored 41 points in an Elite Eight battle against Baylor that needed overtime to decide the winner.

William’s performance led Mississippi State to another overtime win against UConn, ultimately reaching the program’s first national title appearance.

Summary of Top Scorers

Here is a summary of the top individual scoring performances in NCAA women’s basketball tournament history:

• Lorri Bauman: 50 points (1982, Drake)
• Sheryl Swoopes: 47 points (1993, Texas Tech)
• Jayne Appel: 46 points (2009, Stanford)
• Kelsey Mitchell: 45 points (2016, Ohio State)
• Sarah Ashlee Barker: 45 points (2025, Alabama)
• Candice Wiggins: 44 points (2008, Stanford)
• Barbara Kennedy: 43 points (1982, Clemson)
• Marissa Coleman: 42 points (2009, Maryland)
• Elizabeth Kitley: 42 points (2022, Virginia Tech)
• Caitlin Clark: 41 points (2023, Iowa)
• Jackie Stiles: 41 points (2001, Missouri State)
• Kiki Iriafen: 41 points (2024, Stanford)
• Morgan William: 41 points (2017, Mississippi State)

For more details on these performances, visit the NCAA’s official article.