After a disappointing loss to No. 15 Oklahoma State ended Iowa State’s perfect season, the No. 13 Cyclones needed to address an offensive problem. Specifically, getting more production out of players not named Hallie Christofferson.

Christofferson scored 20 of Iowa State’s 62 points in the loss to the Cowgirls and her 18 field goal attempts were eight more than any other Cyclone. After getting in foul trouble early, the team struggled to find any offense and registering a season-low in points scored.

West Virginia, one of the Big 12’s best defensive teams, handed the Cyclones their second consecutive loss and more questions about their offensive struggles Jan. 15, 73-59. 

“Right now, offensively we are just not very efficient,” said coach Bill Fennelly. “We had two teams that just kind of punched us in the mouth. … Offensively, as far as shooting the ball, we got some kids that are really struggling right now.”

Christofferson scored 13 of the Cyclones’ 23 first-half points as the rest of Iowa State went only 2-of-21 from the field. The second half featured better shooting, but the Mountaineers’ 13-point halftime lead and potent 3-point shooting held off Iowa State.

Christofferson recorded her 11th 20-point game of the season in the 21-point, five-rebound effort on 9-of-12 shooting. The team, however, recorded their lowest-scoring effort of the season for the second-straight game.

“[Hallie] didn’t get much help,” Fennelly said. “That’s the worst part about it for me. That kid deserves everyone — everyone’s — best effort, and she didn’t get it.”

The team will need to find some offensive balance in a Big 12 that features three ranked teams and two teams receiving votes — West Virginia being one of them. With a 3-2 record and tied for fourth with Texas in league play, the Cyclones have an uphill climb to remain in contention for the Big 12 title.

With much of the team in a cold spell, Bill Fennelly isn’t buying into the notion that confidence is an issue.

“The confidence thing, I think it’s an excuse,” said Fennelly. “You build confidence by getting in the gym and working. They might say they don’t have any confidence, but I’ve never been a big believer in that.”

The Cyclones now hit the road on Jan. 18 to take on a struggling Kansas State team that is 7-9 on the year and 1-4 in the Big 12. The Cyclones are 6-0 away from Hilton this season and hope to get back on track in the scoring column.

“Our numbers show that we need to get in the gym and get some shots up,” Christofferson said. “Playing at home, we shouldn’t need any extra motivation, but now we take it on the road on [Jan. 18] and just hope to get a win.”