Since the first NCAA DI women’s basketball tournament in 1982, there have been many record-setting performances throughout the years, including the highest-scoring individual games in the tournament’s history.
We’re breaking down all 13 players who have scored at least 41 points in a single March Madness game.
The records are taken from the official guides at NCAA.org. The tournament field expanded from 32 teams in 1982 to 64 teams in 1994.
Lorri Bauman — 50 points
Lorri Bauman set the individual scoring record of 50 points during a loss to Maryland in the first DI women’s championship tournament in 1982. This was before the 3-point line was introduced in 1987. Bauman was 21 of 35 from the field, 8 of 11 from the line and played all 40 minutes without a turnover. She went on to become the first woman in NCAA history to reach 3,000 career points during her tenure at Drake from 1980-1984.
Year: 1982
School: Drake
Opponent: Maryland
Round: Region Final
Result: Loss, 89-78
Sheryl Swoopes — 47 points
Swoopes’ 47-point game is the only performance on this list to directly result in a national title. She helped secure Texas Tech’s first championship in 1993. Her 47 points remain as the top scoring individual game in women’s Final Four…
