The Iowa State Women’s Basketball team is gearing up for the Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament, with a strong finish to the regular season securing them the seventh seed and a bye for the first round. Despite a challenging season that saw them start as the eighth-ranked team in the nation, the Cyclones closed out with a flourish, winning six of their last seven games. Their final victory over No. 14 Kansas State was a resounding 85-63 triumph on home turf at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.
Heading into the Big 12 Tournament, the stakes are high, with the champion earning an automatic spot in the NCAA Tournament. For the Cyclones, there are no days off in this intense competition, as teams must play back-to-back games with no breaks in between. Junior guard/forward Sydney Harris expressed the mix of challenge and excitement, highlighting the adrenaline-fueled nature of the tournament that keeps players on their toes.
As the tournament brackets shape up, the top four seeds—TCU, Baylor, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia—enjoy double byes, while Iowa State will face off against either Arizona State or Cincinnati in their first game on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Despite losses to the top-seeded teams during the regular season, the Cyclones are well-prepared to take on familiar opponents, having faced and learned from these formidable rivals before.
Coach Bill Fennelly emphasized the experience and maturity of the top teams in the league, noting the prevalence of seniors and graduate students among the contenders. With a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, the Cyclones are poised to make their mark in the tournament. The team’s recent announcement of three players—Audi Crooks, Addy Brown, and Emily Ryan—making the All-Big 12 teams added to the confidence and momentum as they head into the tournament.
Looking ahead, sophomore center Audi Crooks expressed optimism and readiness to face tough competition, acknowledging the sharpened skills and intensity of teams in the tournament. The Cyclones are primed to build on their recent successes and aim for a strong showing, drawing on their past victories and lessons from previous matchups.
However, the road ahead is challenging, with potential matchups against formidable opponents like Baylor looming in the tournament. Reflecting on their previous loss to Baylor, the Cyclones are aware of the tough competition that awaits them, but remain undaunted in their pursuit of success. Coach Fennelly highlighted the high-stakes atmosphere of the tournament, noting that every game is akin to an NCAA Tournament battle, underscoring the importance of each match as teams vie for a coveted spot in the postseason.
As the Cyclones prepare to kick off their tournament journey on Thursday, the team is counting on the collective effort and standout performances from key players like Crooks, Brown, and Ryan to propel them forward. With a blend of talent, determination, and camaraderie, the Iowa State Women’s Basketball team is ready to write the next chapter in their tournament saga, aiming to replicate their past success and make a strong push towards the Big 12 Championship finals.
