Macklin makes history

By Ted Ward, @TedWard_DE

There’s a new leader atop the all-time career points list in SIU women’s basketball history.

With her bucket 33 seconds into Saturday’s 74-56 win against Evansville, senior guard Cartaesha Macklin passed Saluki Hall of Famer Amy Rakers for most career points with 1,538.

Macklin said she was happy she got the record, but remained humble.

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“It was a huge accomplishment for me, but the win is more appreciated in my eyes,” she said.

The 5-foot-6-inch Mayo, Fla., native began her career in the 2011-12 season and redshirted her junior year after an injury.

She averages 13.4 points per game this season, ranking in the top 10 for scoring in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Macklin had to wait nearly a week to become the sole leader after tying the record in the 69-68 overtime loss to Loyola on Jan. 10.

“I was really nervous,” she said. “I guess I’m young, so I don’t really know to feel about it, but it’s definitely a huge accomplishment that I’ll appreciate more down the line.”

Macklin finished the game with four points, three rebounds and dished out five assists.

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SIU coach Cindy Stein said Macklin has been a big part of the team and program’s success.

“Cartaesha does a lot of great things for us and it was great to see her break the record,” she said. “She came out today and didn’t force anything, she just let the game come to her.”

Macklin said she is just focused on the season now that she has broken the record.

“It’s all about winning a championship and that’s something I’ve wanted to do since the beginning of the year,” she said.

The guard can improve her record against Wichita State 7 p.m. on Friday at Koch Arena in Wichita, Kan.

Ted Ward can be reached at [email protected] or 618-534-3303. 

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