Iowa State Women’s Basketball Defeated by #20 West Virginia, 82-68
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – In a hard-fought battle, the Iowa State women’s basketball team (13-7, 4-3 Big 12) suffered a tough loss to the No. 20 ranked West Virginia Mountaineers (15-3, 5-2 Big 12) in Morgantown with a final score of 82-68. The game was filled with intense moments and standout performances from both teams.
Iowa State’s Struggle to Overcome Turnovers
The absence of Emily Ryan was keenly felt as Iowa State struggled to recover from committing a whopping 25 turnovers, leading to 26 points for West Virginia. The Mountaineers, known for their defensive prowess, rank third in the nation for forced turnovers. Despite their best efforts, the Cyclones found it challenging to maintain possession and control the game.
Addy Brown emerged as a standout player for Iowa State, showcasing her skills by scoring 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field, along with sinking six free throws. Brown’s all-around performance included seven rebounds, seven assists, and a steal, demonstrating her versatility on the court.
Audi Crooks also made a significant impact, contributing 13 points and marking her 52nd consecutive game scoring in double figures. The Cyclones had a total of four players scoring in double digits, with Sydney Harris totaling 12 points and Aili Tanke adding 10 to the scoreboard.
West Virginia’s Dominance and Iowa State’s Resilience
Despite West Virginia’s early lead with three 3-pointers, Iowa State managed to keep the score close, trailing by only one point at 13-12 during the first media timeout. However, a strong 11-0 run by the Mountaineers widened the gap, with West Virginia leading 30-15 at the end of the first quarter.
As the game progressed, West Virginia continued to extend their lead, reaching a 26-point advantage after hitting their eighth shot from beyond the arc. Heading into the final quarter, the Mountaineers maintained a comfortable lead at 69-49, ultimately securing the victory with a final score of 82-68.
Looking Ahead: Iowa State’s Next Matches
Despite the setback, the Iowa State women’s basketball team looks to bounce back as they return home to face BYU on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. followed by a matchup against UCF on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. Coach Bill Fennelly and his team are determined to regroup, learn from this experience, and come back stronger in their upcoming games.
As the Cyclones reflect on this challenging game, they focus on improving their performance, minimizing turnovers, and showcasing their resilience on the court. The season is far from over, and Iowa State remains committed to giving their all in every game they play, striving for success and growth as a team.
Remember, every defeat is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. As the Cyclones face their next opponents, their determination and passion for the game will shine through, driving them towards victory and success. Stay tuned for more exciting basketball action from Iowa State!
