Iowa State Women’s Basketball Falls to No. 19 Baylor in Tough Matchup
In a challenging game on Saturday afternoon, the Iowa State women’s basketball team (19-10, 10-6 Big 12) faced off against the No. 19 Baylor Bears (24-5, 14-2 Big 12) in Waco, Texas. Unfortunately, Iowa State suffered a 52-67 loss to Baylor, with the Bears showcasing their dominance on the court.
Struggles on the offensive end plagued Iowa State, as they were held to just 34 percent shooting throughout the game. Additionally, the team committed 21 turnovers, which directly led to 26 points for Baylor. Despite the tough competition, Audi Crooks of Iowa State managed to break her own single-season field goal school record by recording six field goals during the game, bringing her total to an impressive 262. Crooks also continued her streak of scoring in double digits for the 61st consecutive game, finishing with a team-leading 14 points.
Addy Brown made a significant impact on the boards, leading the game with 10 rebounds while also contributing eight points and seven assists. Although Iowa State showed moments of resilience, Baylor’s strong performance ultimately secured the win.
Early Game Dynamics and Baylor’s Lead Expansion
Early in the game, Iowa State managed to keep pace with Baylor, tying the score multiple times. However, the Bears quickly pulled ahead with a 7-0 run following the first media timeout. Kelsey Joens of Iowa State helped close the gap with a crucial 3-pointer, but Baylor’s Yaya Felder responded with consecutive 3-pointers, maintaining Baylor’s lead. By halftime, Baylor led 33-23, setting the stage for a challenging second half for Iowa State.
As the game progressed, Baylor continued to extend their lead, reaching an advantage of 19 points heading into the final quarter. Despite Crooks’ impressive field goal record and scoring streak, Iowa State struggled to match Baylor’s momentum, ultimately falling short in their efforts to stage a comeback.
Looking Ahead and Noteworthy Achievements
Following the loss, Iowa State looks ahead to their upcoming road trip, where they will face UCF on Feb. 25. Despite the setback against Baylor, the team remains focused on their next challenge, aiming to bounce back with a strong performance.
In addition to the game’s outcomes, several notable achievements were highlighted among Iowa State’s players. Audi Crooks’ continued success on the court, including breaking her own field goal record, showcased her talent and dedication to the team. Addy Brown’s contributions in rebounds and assists further demonstrated the team’s depth and versatility, despite the tough loss against Baylor.
As the season progresses, Iowa State’s women’s basketball team continues to push forward, building on their strengths and learning from each game. With a resilient spirit and a commitment to improvement, the team remains determined to face whatever challenges come their way.
With a mix of ups and downs, victories and setbacks, the journey of Iowa State women’s basketball unfolds, offering a glimpse into the resilience and passion that drive these athletes to give their all on the court.
