FORT MYERS, Fla. — In a commanding performance, No. 10 Iowa State (8-0, 0-0 Big 12) triumphed over Marquette (4-2, 0-0 Big East) with a score of 84-73 in the first round of the Coconut Hoops Blue Heron Division.
The Cyclones showcased a diverse scoring attack during the game, led by Audi Crooks and Addy Brown. Crooks netted 18 points, contributing 14 of those in the first half, while Jada Williams added 15 points—13 of which came in the opening half. In the second half, Brown took charge, scoring 14 points as Iowa State dominated on the offensive boards, collecting 17 rebounds that contributed to 18 second-chance points.
Game Breakdown
Iowa State kicked off the game with a three-pointer from Kenzie Hare. After some back-and-forth scoring, the Cyclones surged ahead with a 10-0 run, establishing a 15-4 lead that forced Marquette to call a timeout at the 5:22 mark. Following a three-pointer from Sydney Harris, the Golden Eagles responded with a 9-2 run, narrowing the gap to five points as the quarter drew to a close, with Iowa State leading 23-18.
Continued scoring exchanges marked the beginning of the second quarter until Williams ignited the offense, scoring eight consecutive points for Iowa State. Following a three-pointer from Ariana Jackson, the Cyclones built their largest lead of the half to 14 points, ending the first half with a score of 47-35, bolstered by Williams’ eight rebounds alongside Crooks’ key contributions.
In the third quarter, with Crooks sidelined due to foul trouble, Brown and Harris stepped up. Brown scored six consecutive points, extending the lead to 17. After a layup by Reese Beaty, Harris added six more points, including a three-pointer. The Cyclones capped the third quarter with their largest lead of 18 points, concluding the frame at 70-52, with Brown and Harris combining for 19 of the 23 points scored in that quarter.
Iowa State maintained their lead in the final quarter to secure an 84-73 win.
Noteworthy Performances
- Addy Brown finished with 18 points, complemented by six assists and three blocks.
- Audi Crooks also recorded 18 points and six rebounds, with a notable five offensive rebounds.
- Jada Williams achieved her second double-double of the season, concluding the game with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Upcoming Matches
Iowa State will advance to face the winner of the upcoming matchup between Indiana and Gonzaga in the Blue Heron Division Championship, scheduled for Sunday, November 30th, at 12:30 p.m. CT.
Historical Highlights
- With the victory, Iowa State’s all-time women’s basketball record now stands at 878 wins to 678 losses (.564), and an impressive 641-325 (.664) during head coach Bill Fennelly’s tenure.
- Fennelly’s career record improves to 807 victories against 378 losses over his 38 years in coaching.
- Audi Crooks’ scoring prowess continues as she reached her 75th consecutive game scoring in double digits. She has accumulated 1,654 career points, now ranking ninth on Iowa State’s all-time scoring list, surpassing Seanna Johnson (1,645 points) and Kelsey Bolte (1,639 points).
- Kenzie Hare celebrated her milestone by scoring the 800th point of her career and her 30th three-pointer with the Cyclones.
- Arianna Jackson’s two triples in the game brought her career three-point total to 100.
