March 19, 2024

Grinnell College’s Taylor smashes NCAA record with 138 points

GRINNELL (GC) — Jack Taylor  may be just three games into his career as a Grinnell College basketball player, but Tuesday night he made an impact that rippled across the nation.

The Pioneer shattered the NCAA record for points in a game, regardless of level, when he poured in 138 points … yes, that’s correct … 138 points in a 179-104 victory over Faith Baptist Bible College before a big crowd at Darby Gymnasium.

News of the feat spread quickly and just a few hours after the game, Taylor had been interviewed by media outlets from coast to coast including ESPN.

Taylor had 58 points at halftime and eventually passed the NCAA Division III record of 89, set last year by teammate Griffin Lentsch.

From there, Taylor chased down what was deemed to be the unbeatable overall mark of 113 points, set by NCAA Division II performer Clarence “Bevo” Francis of Rio Grande in 1954.

But scoring was just one national record set by Taylor. He also broke NCAA records for field goals (52), field goals attempted (108), 3-pointers (27) and 3-pointers attempted (71).

Additionally, Grinnell set a school record for points scored in a game with 179 and turnovers forced with 49.

Taylor finished off his night in style by scoring a D-III record 28 consecutive points for the Pioneers, including eight 3-pointers and seven straight without a miss.