5 key stats from Iowa State women's basketball’s win vs Arizona

AMES – A dominant performance on January 24th saw the Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball team reclaim momentum with a decisive 90-65 victory over Arizona. The win, crucial after a recent five-game losing streak – the program’s longest in a decade – improves Iowa State’s season record to 16-5 and their Big 12 standing to 4-5.

A Week of Reset for the Cyclones

The victory over Arizona capped a pivotal week for the Cyclones, following a win earlier in the week against Cincinnati that ended their losing streak. Senior Sydney Harris emphasized the team’s internal focus during this challenging period, stating, “We were going through a rough patch but I think no one cares. So, we had to go within ourselves to get these wins and we did what we needed to be done.”

Key Performances Drive Iowa State

Arizona transfer Jada Williams led the scoring with 19 points, while Audi Crooks contributed 17. Williams, despite being a game-time decision due to illness, showcased her scoring ability, tallying 19 points on efficient shooting. Crooks played a key role in establishing an early lead, contributing to a 7-0 run that put Iowa State ahead 20-10 in the first quarter.

Did You Know? Iowa State’s head coach, Bill Fennelly, now holds 296 Big 12 victories, matching former Baylor coach Kim Mulkey for the most in league history.

First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone

Iowa State exploded offensively in the first half, scoring 53 points on 71% shooting. This impressive performance included a 9-0 run fueled by Williams, extending their lead to 19 points in the second quarter. Evangelia Paulk, in her first start of the season, added to the offensive surge with a crucial three-pointer.

Lineup Adjustments and Arizona’s Struggles

Coach Fennelly has experimented with the starting lineup due to injuries to Arianna Jackson and Addy Brown. The recent start for Paulk, a transfer from Wofford, proved beneficial, as she contributed seven points and five rebounds. Arizona faced significant challenges, with five players fouling out of the game, and were briefly forced to play with only four players on the court.

Expert Insight: The combination of Iowa State’s offensive efficiency and Arizona’s foul trouble created a significant imbalance, allowing the Cyclones to build and maintain a commanding lead throughout the game. This highlights the importance of disciplined play and depth in collegiate basketball.

Looking Ahead

Iowa State’s next challenge is a road game at Texas Tech on January 28th. A continued strong performance from Williams and Crooks, along with consistent contributions from the rest of the team, could position the Cyclones for further success in Big 12 play. However, maintaining consistency and navigating a competitive conference schedule will be key. The team may also continue to experiment with different starting lineups as players recover from injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Iowa State’s record after the win against Arizona?

Iowa State’s record improved to 16-5 overall and 4-5 in Big 12 play after the 90-65 victory over Arizona on January 24th.

Who were the leading scorers for Iowa State in the game against Arizona?

Jada Williams led Iowa State with 19 points, while Audi Crooks added 17 points.

How many players fouled out for Arizona during the game?

Five players fouled out for Arizona during the game against Iowa State.

With this recent surge, what do you think will be the biggest factor in Iowa State’s ability to maintain their momentum throughout the remainder of the Big 12 season?

5 key stats from Iowa State women’s basketball’s win vs Arizona