Iowa State Holds Off Iowa in Thrilling 74-69 Showdown
AMES, Iowa — In a highly anticipated matchup, the No. 10 Iowa State Cyclones edged out the No. 11 Iowa Hawkeyes with a 74-69 victory. Star performances from Audi Crooks and Addy Brown propelled the Cyclones to remain unbeaten at 11-0 this season.
Dominant Performances
Audi Crooks led the charge, scoring 30 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. This marked her fourth game of the season reaching at least 30 points, solidifying her reputation as a key player for Iowa State. Addy Brown supported her efforts with an impressive 20 points and 12 rebounds, achieving a double-double of her own.
Key Moments of the Game
- Third Quarter Surge: Iowa State built a substantial 17-point lead late in the third quarter.
- Iowa’s Comeback Attempt: The Hawkeyes rallied back, going on a 26-12 run to narrow the gap to just three points late in the game.
Game-Changing Plays
With 16 seconds left, the Hawkeyes had a chance to tie the game but were thwarted by a crucial block from Mackenzie Hare, who denied Taylor McCabe’s three-point attempt. Crooks subsequently sealed the victory by sinking a free throw, pushing the score to 73-69.
Quotes from the Players
"I feel like now we’re officially battle-tested," Crooks stated post-game, addressing the criticism of Iowa State’s schedule. She emphasized the team’s depth by mentioning, "When you have three players with double-doubles, you can’t say we’re a one-trick pony."
Crooks also highlighted the team’s focus: "We’re not concerned with the noise and what everybody has to say online. We’re focused on our mentality in the locker room and what we do in practice."
Performance Highlights
Iowa State Cyclones
- Audi Crooks: 30 points, 10 rebounds.
- Addy Brown: 20 points, 12 rebounds.
- Jada Williams: 11 points, 12 assists.
Iowa Hawkeyes
- Chazadi “Chit-Chat” Wright: 21 points, making four 3-pointers.
- Taylor McCabe: 11 points, including three 3-pointers.
- Ava Heiden: Limited to 16 minutes due to foul trouble, scored vital layups to keep Iowa competitive.
Ongoing Rivalry
This win marks the Cyclones’ twelfth victory in the last fifteen meetings against Iowa, although the Hawkeyes still lead the overall series 32-24. The rivalry, known as the CyHawk Series, continues to deliver thrilling matchups, showcasing the talent on both sides.
Looking Ahead
As Iowa State continues its undefeated season, they are poised to build on this success, showcasing their depth and resilience in upcoming games. Their ability to perform under pressure, combined with standout individual performances, positions them as strong contenders in the NCAA landscape.
For more details on the game and upcoming schedules, visit ESPN and NCAA.
Related Links
Stay tuned for more updates as Iowa State aims to climb higher in the rankings while maintaining their perfect record.
