AMES, Iowa – In a thrilling matchup that highlighted the intensity of the Cy-Hawk rivalry, the No. 10 Iowa State Cyclones claimed a significant victory against the No. 11 Iowa Hawkeyes, winning 74-69 at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones, now boasting an undefeated record of 11-0, were led by center Audi Crooks, who notched an impressive 30 points and 10 rebounds, further solidifying her place as the leading scorer in Division I women’s basketball.
Crooks’ performance is part of a remarkable season where she averages 27.8 points per game while shooting an outstanding 72.2% from the field, ranking second nationally. Though her individual achievements are significant, Crooks emphasized the importance of the team’s success, stating, “I feel like now we’re officially battle-tested.” This victory not only marked Iowa State’s first win against a ranked opponent this season but also handed the previously undefeated Hawkeyes (9-1) their first loss.
In addition to Crooks, other teammates stepped up with strong performances. Addy Brown contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Jada Williams recorded 11 points along with 12 assists, both earning double-doubles. This display of teamwork underscored the Cyclones’ depth, countering critics who suggested they were overly reliant on Crooks.
Coach Bill Fennelly highlighted that the team had faced scrutiny regarding their schedule, which began the day ranked at No. 308. The Cyclones had experienced setbacks in the previous season against top-tier teams like UConn and South Carolina, which he believes affected their public perception. Fennelly emphasized the importance of this game in restoring faith in his program, noting that the players were motivated by the need to prove themselves. “Some of our players have had to read some things that aren’t real complimentary, and they’re not real happy about it,” he said.
The Cyclones’ victory holds significant meaning in the context of the Cy-Hawk series, reinforcing the rivalry that extends across multiple sports between the two schools. The atmosphere at Hilton Coliseum was electric, with a crowd of 14,009 fans witnessing a competitive clash. Fennelly expressed pride in his team’s resilience and the ability to handle the pressure, stating, “I’m really proud of our team. It’s a win that hopefully we can build on.”
Historically, Iowa dominated this matchup in the last decade, with an 8-2 record against Iowa State over the past ten years, including a victory two years prior that saw star player Caitlin Clark achieve significant personal milestones. However, Crooks and Brown, both of whom were freshmen during that previous defeat, took the lead in this latest encounter, showcasing their growth and adaptation.
As the Cyclones look ahead, they aspire to build on this momentum and prove their mettle in the remainder of the season. The victory against Iowa may serve as a turning point, reinforcing their competitiveness in both the conference and national landscapes. This victory not only adds to their current success but also sets the stage for future challenges as they continue their pursuit of excellence.
