AMES, Iowa — In a pivotal Big 12 matchup with significant postseason implications, the Iowa State women’s basketball team delivered a commanding 90-64 victory over Arizona State on Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum. The win marks a crucial step for the Cyclones as they look to solidify their NCAA Tournament resume and improve their seeding for the upcoming conference tournament.
Cyclones Take Control Early
Iowa State (21-6, 9-6 Big 12) showcased a balanced offensive attack to overwhelm the Sun Devils (21-7, 8-7 Big 12). The contest was highlighted by the return of Addy Brown, whose presence provided an immediate spark for the home crowd. The Cyclones’ interior duo of Audi Crooks and Jada Williams continued their recent tear, following up a combined 42-point performance against Kansas State earlier this week with another efficient outing in the paint.
The victory was particularly historic for the program, as it marked the first time Iowa State hosted Arizona State in Ames since head coach Bill Fennelly’s inaugural season in 1995-96. The 26-point margin of victory underscored the Cyclones’ dominance on their home floor, where they recently snapped No. 9 Kansas’ eight-game winning streak.
Impact on Big 12 Standings
Entering Wednesday, both teams were locked in a tight race within the Big 12 middle tier. Arizona State, led by head coach Natasha Adair, arrived in Ames with a slightly better overall record but struggled to contain Iowa State’s perimeter shooting and rebounding. The loss drops the Sun Devils to 8-7 in conference play, while the Cyclones leapfrog them in the standings with a 9-6 mark.
Key highlights from the matchup included:
- Offensive Efficiency: Iowa State’s ball movement led to high-percentage looks, keeping the Sun Devils’ defense on its heels for all four quarters.
- Post Dominance: Audi Crooks proved difficult to guard, drawing multiple fouls and anchoring the Cyclones’ defense.
- Bench Depth: The Cyclones received significant contributions from their rotation, outscoring the Sun Devil reserves.
Historical Context and Football Ties
While the basketball rivalry is heating up in the expanded Big 12, the two schools share a recent high-stakes history on the gridiron. In December 2024, Arizona State defeated Iowa State 45-19 in the Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship game, a contest where Sun Devil star Cam Skattebo rushed for 170 yards. Tonight’s basketball victory offered a measure of redemption for the Cyclone faithful in Ames.
What’s Next
With only three games remaining in the regular season, Iowa State will look to carry this momentum into their final stretch as “March Madness” approaches. The Cyclones are currently projected as a solid seed in the NCAA Tournament but are aiming to climb into the top 16 to potentially host opening-round games.
Arizona State returns to Tempe to prepare for a crucial home stand, needing to rebound quickly to maintain their standing in a crowded Big 12 field. Both teams are expected to be major factors in the Big 12 Tournament scheduled for next month.