Long-distance baskets key for Cyclones’ avenging of early loss

Caitlyn Diimig

Iowa State proved it was the better 3-point shooting team Saturday when it beat Oklahoma 77-71.

The Sooners (17-9, 9-5 Big 12) have the best 3-point shooting percentage in the Big 12 with .351, but the Cyclones (16-9, 7-7) average the most 3-pointers in a game with .662.

“We shot it extremely well in Norman, we did OK tonight, but we really put the ball in the basket at our place,” said OU coach Sherri Coale. “That can be the difference.”

On Jan. 4 in Norman, Okla., the Sooners blew away the Cyclones 80-51.

“We obviously got embarrassed the first game and, especially playing at home, we needed to protect this house,” said junior Anna Prins.

In that game, Oklahoma was 11-of-18 from 3-point land.

On Saturday, Iowa State gave Oklahoma a taste of its own medicine, achieving a season-high 11 3-pointers in one game.

Senior Lauren Mansfield led the Cyclones with six 3s, including a big one with less than two minutes to go.

“I thought it was going over the rim,” Mansfield said. “So when it popped in, it was good.”

Iowa State’s previous loss to Oklahoma started as a five-game losing streak in conference play.

The Cyclones have now improved to a 7-7 record and are sitting in fifth place overall in the Big 12.

“They know better who they are,” Coale said. “And if you do this thing right as you go through conference play, that’s what happens. You get a little more sure of your identity.”

Of the eight Cyclones with playing time, four made a 3-pointer, with all but one earning multiple 3s.

“It’s probably the first time all year where we had a lot of people contribute and our best player was not at our best,” said ISU coach Bill Fennelly.

Mansfield ended the game with 22 points and freshman Nikki Moody compiled 11 assists.

Iowa State’s leader in double-doubles, junior Chelsea Poppens, came away from the game with 12 points.

Iowa State left the first half ahead by 15 points and remained in the lead the rest of the game.

In the second half, the Sooner offense slowly ticked away at the scoreboard.

Iowa State gave its fans something to worry about with 2:30 to go, when a jump shot by freshman Kaylon Williams brought Oklahoma within one point of the lead.

“It was very nerve-racking, but I think that we knew that we needed to stay calm,” Prins said.

ISU fans were put at ease when two free throws by Moody and a 3-pointer by Mansfield brought the Cyclones up by six to keep the lead in their favor.

A driving shot by Poppens with one minute to go put the Cyclones up by eight and released any fear by pink-wearing Cyclones fans that Iowa State would leave Hilton Coliseum with a loss.

Cyclone fans wore pink in support of the “Play 4 Kay” game, to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Iowa State will take on Missouri at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Hilton Coliseum.