Iowa State Cyclones Women’s Basketball Falls to No. 11 K-State in Overtime Battle
In a thrilling match-up that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Iowa State Cyclones (15-8, 6-4 Big 12) faced off against the No. 11-ranked Kansas State Wildcats (20-2, 8-1 Big 12) in an intense game that ultimately ended in overtime with a final score of 87-79 in favor of the Wildcats.
The Cyclones, led by standout player Audi Crooks, put up a valiant effort against the formidable Wildcats, managing to keep pace with the higher-ranked team throughout the game. In a dramatic turn of events, Iowa State rallied back with a 7-0 run to force overtime, threatening Kansas State’s perfect 13-0 home record for the season. However, the Wildcats maintained their composure in the extra period, ultimately quashing the Cyclones’ upset bid and securing the hard-fought victory.
Audi Crooks once again showcased her exceptional skills on the court, delivering a stellar performance with a game-leading 28 points and 11 rebounds, earning herself a well-deserved double-double. Crooks’ impressive showing marked the 13th time in the last 15 games that she has scored over 20 points, highlighting her consistent dominance as a key player for Iowa State. Additionally, Crooks’ remarkable performance extended her impressive streak of scoring in double figures for the 55th consecutive game, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball.
Not to be outdone, Addy Brown also made significant contributions to the Cyclones’ efforts, putting up 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field, including a career-high-tying four 3-pointers. Brown’s offensive prowess, coupled with her eight assists and four rebounds, demonstrated her versatility and skill on the court, further bolstering Iowa State’s competitive edge in the challenging match-up against Kansas State.
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and momentum swings throughout the four quarters of play. Key plays from players like Lily Hansford and Kelsey Joens helped keep the Cyclones in contention, with clutch shots and timely baskets keeping the score close as the game progressed. Despite their best efforts, Iowa State found themselves locked in a tight battle against the Wildcats, who managed to maintain a narrow lead heading into halftime.
As the second half unfolded, Iowa State continued to fight tooth and nail against Kansas State, with players like Jackson and Ryan stepping up to make crucial plays to keep the Cyclones within striking distance. Despite facing adversity and falling behind at times, Iowa State displayed resilience and determination, mounting several comebacks to keep the game competitive until the final buzzer sounded.
In the end, Kansas State’s offensive firepower and defensive prowess proved to be the deciding factors in securing the hard-fought victory over Iowa State. The Wildcats’ ability to execute in critical moments and capitalize on key opportunities ultimately propelled them to triumph in the overtime showdown, cementing their status as a top contender in the Big 12 conference.
Looking ahead, Iowa State will regroup and prepare for their upcoming match-up against No. 9 TCU, as they aim to bounce back from the tough loss and continue their pursuit of success in the competitive world of women’s college basketball. Stay tuned as the Cyclones look to showcase their resilience and determination in the face of adversity, ready to take on whatever challenges come their way on the road to victory.
