Clara Strack celebrates birthday with 25 points, 15 rebounds in win over Illinois

Despite Nov. 27 being Kentucky Women’s Basketball center Clara Strack‘s 19th birthday, she spent it giving back to Big Blue Nation. In Wednesday’s win over No. 19 Illinois, Strack finished with 25 points and 15 rebounds. She added four assists, a block, and a steal to lead her team to a 23-point victory.

Strack has had an abundance of dominant games, excluding a game against Purdue Fort Wayne where she shot 3-13 from the field. She still finished that game with 14 points, eight of them from the free-throw line. Every game this season has ended in double-digit scoring, with a total of 128 points through seven games. Three of those games have been upwards of 20 points, and five of them have been at least 15.

After three, Kentucky has a six point lead over the Illini. Clara Strack leads all scorers with 23 points and is the only 'Cat in double-digits.

Kentucky 50 | Illinois 44 | End 3Q

GAME THREAD: https://t.co/rzjHxdQCAg

LIVE BLOG: https://t.co/BLcO0wZoal

— Katie Hutchison (@KHutchisonKSR) November 28, 2024

Strack is currently shooting 49-97 (50.5%) from the field and 26-34 (76.5%) from the free throw line. She’s only shooting 4-18 (22%) from three, but three of those makes have come in the last two games. The 6-foot-5 center is continuing to prove why she might be one of the best in the country.

After her 25-point performance on Wednesday, Strack is nos averaging 18.3 points and 11 rebounds per game. She shot 12-18 (66%) from the field, setting a new season-high for field goals attempted and made. Her 15 rebounds also mark a season-high, as did her point total.

Kenny Brooks continues to praise Clara Strack: "She wants to be great. Some kids will say it, but they won't do the work."

Also compares her to Hokie legend Elizabeth Kitley.

— Phoenix Stevens (@PStevensKSR) November 28, 2024

The sophomore has added 28 assists and 20 blocks this season, proving her versatility on the court. If the momentum continues to trend in Strack’s direction, her three-point shooting could be the difference in this Kentucky team becoming one of the top SEC contenders. Strack continues to improve every game, and she’s not going to stop at 25 points.

It was definitely a “Happy Birthday” for Clara Strack on the court. As a representative of BBN, I think I can speak for most of us by saying we hope you had the greatest Big Blue Birthday ever.