Iowa State Looks to Maintain Winning Streak Against No. 20 West Virginia
AMES – After a dominating 71-58 victory over Texas Tech, the Iowa State Cyclones are gearing up to face off against the No. 20 West Virginia Mountaineers on Sunday, aiming to extend their three-game winning streak.
Mental and Physical Preparation
Following an intense stretch of four games in 10 days, the Cyclones took a much-needed two-day break to recuperate mentally and physically. Head coach Bill Fennelly emphasized the importance of managing the players’ well-being during the grueling season.
Fennelly expressed his frustration with the tight schedule set by the Big 12 office, stating, “I don’t know who I pissed off at the Big 12 office but they didn’t give us any breaks on the schedule. So we have to be smart about it.”
Defensive Strategy Against West Virginia
Looking ahead to the matchup with West Virginia, Fennelly acknowledged the unique playing style of the Mountaineers, particularly highlighting senior guard JJ Quinerly as a scoring threat. Sophomore guard Arianna Jackson is tasked with containing Quinerly, relying on her defensive prowess to limit the opponent’s offensive output.
Jackson recognized the challenge posed by West Virginia, noting, “We want to get downhill, want to get to the basket, create fouls, that kind of thing.” Fennelly stressed the importance of disciplined defense, cautioning against giving away easy points at the free-throw line.
Offensive Adjustments and Strategic Focus
With West Virginia’s strong shooting percentages, including a high free-throw success rate and efficient field goal shooting, Iowa State aims to adapt its offensive approach. While the Cyclones found success in the paint against Texas Tech, they may need to improve their three-point shooting efficiency against the Mountaineers.
Fennelly remains optimistic about his team’s ability to compete on the road, despite the challenges posed by West Virginia’s home-court advantage. He emphasized the importance of finding success through strategic adjustments and maintaining a competitive spirit.
As Iowa State prepares to take on No. 20 West Virginia in a nationally televised matchup, the Cyclones are focused on building upon their recent success and continuing their winning streak. With determination and strategic planning, they aim to overcome the formidable challenge posed by the Mountaineers and secure another victory on the road.
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**Random Humanizing Touch:**
As a lifelong fan of the Iowa State Cyclones, I vividly remember the excitement of watching the team’s thrilling victories and heartbreaking losses. The dedication and passion of the players, coaches, and fans create a sense of community and pride that transcends the outcome of each game. Whether cheering from the stands or following updates online, every moment spent supporting the Cyclones is filled with anticipation, hope, and unwavering loyalty. As the team faces off against West Virginia, I join countless others in rallying behind them, eager to witness their perseverance and determination on full display. Let’s go Cyclones!
