Old rivalry sparks physical altercation between Caitlin Clark's and former Ohio State star Jacy Shelton in WNBA Cup Final

Some will jump to the conclusion that this is another bout of jealousy or bullying, but Sheldon and Clark have history as Big Ten rivals. 

Clark, Iowa’s record-smashing guard, was a scoring machine from her freshman year, leading the NCAA with 26.6 points per game in 2020-21. Known for her deep three-pointers and slick playmaking, she could take over a game in an instant. 

Sheldon, Ohio State’s tenacious senior by 2024, was the Buckeyes’ defensive ace, often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best player—yep, that meant Clark. 

Over four years, Clark and Sheldon faced off in some unforgettable games. Iowa dominated the series, winning three out of four documented matchups, but each game had its own drama.

In their first clash, a freshman Clark and junior Sheldon went toe-to-toe in a game that came down to the wire. Iowa edged out Ohio State 84-82 in a high-scoring thriller. Clark was already showing her scoring flair, while Sheldon’s relentless defense tried to slow her down. It was a sign of things to come—two stars pushing each other to the limit.

By 2022, Clark was a sophomore sensation, leading Division I in both points and assists—an NCAA first. When Iowa faced Ohio State again, Clark’s scoring and playmaking overwhelmed the Buckeyes. Sheldon, now a senior, fought hard to contain her, but Iowa’s offense, powered by Clark, was unstoppable. The Hawkeyes cruised to another win, with Sheldon gaining more respect for Clark’s game.

The 2023 Big Ten Tournament championship was a statement game for Clark. She dropped 30 points, snagged 7 rebounds, and dished out 12 assists, leading Iowa to a 105-72 rout over Ohio State. Sheldon, tasked with guarding Clark, couldn’t stop Iowa’s offensive onslaught. It was Clark at her peak, and Iowa claimed the tournament crown in style.

Their final collegiate matchup was a barnburner. Iowa and Ohio State battled into overtime, with Clark’s heroics sealing a 100-92 victory for the Hawkeyes. Clark, now a junior averaging 27.8 points per game, was a force, while Sheldon’s defensive effort pushed her to the limit. The game showcased their familiarity—Sheldon knew Clark’s moves, but Clark’s clutch plays were too much.

Across these four games, Clark was a statistical juggernaut against Ohio State, averaging 26.8 points, 11.3 assists, and 4.3 three-pointers per game on sizzling 50/43/90% shooting splits. Iowa’s 3-1 record over Ohio State in these matchups highlighted Clark’s edge, but Sheldon’s defensive intensity made her work for every point.

This wasn’t just about wins and losses. Clark herself called Sheldon the player she’d most want to go “toe-to-toe” with in college, a nod to the Buckeye’s relentless defense. 

Sheldon, in turn, respected Clark’s game, later saying in the WNBA, “She’s a really good player, everybody sees it.” Their battles were personal but rooted in mutual admiration, forged in the pressure cooker of Big Ten basketball.

The story hasn't ended with college. In 2024, Clark went No. 1 overall to the Indiana Fever, while Sheldon was picked No. 5 by the Dallas Wings (later traded to the Connecticut Sun). 

Their rivalry spilled into the WNBA, with moments like Clark’s crossover three-pointer in a 2024 preseason game and a fiery exchange on Tuesday night, where intensity boiled over after a physical play. 

That competitive spark? It was born on the Big Ten courts.