The Lowdown

Iowa State beat Iowa 62-54 on Wednesday, earning two points in the CyHawk series. The Cyclones overcame a rough first half where they shot just 30 percent from the field and 18 percent from three-point range.

Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly received a technical foul with 2:33 left in the first half. The Cyclones responded with a 8-4 run in the final minutes, to cut the lead to one at halftime.

Freshman forward Brynn Williamson sparked the Cyclones in the second half, starting with a three-pointer and layup. Iowa State took control 35-30 in the opening minutes of the second half and never looked back.

Turning Point: The 8-4 Iowa State run to start the second half.

After the emotional end to the first half, Iowa State picked right up where it left off in the second. Wililamson added a three-pointer and a layup before freshman point guard Nikki Moody made another three-pointer down the stretch.

Despite the game not being great statistically, Fennelly was proud of the his team’s effort.

“That’s the kind of game Iowa State fans are used to seeing from us,” Fennelly said. “Play hard, play with an amazing amount of passion and energy. Everyone contributed. It was certainly a big win for our team.”

X Factor: Lauren Mansfield

Mansfield had her best shooting performance of the season on Wednesday. She shot 6-12 from the field and 3-7 from three-point range. She finished with a team-high 15 points. The Adelaide, Australia native had been struggling all season and may have found her rhythm.

Fennelly showed confidence in his senior as he kept running sets for her late in the game.

“That’s something that’s big for me,” Mansfield said. “Just knowing that he is still going to go to me, makes me feel really good and makes me want to shoot.”

By the Numbers

12: first half points by Iowa center Morgan Johnson.

4: Second half points by Johnson

8: Margin of victory for Iowa State

22: turnovers by Iowa

12: turnovers by Iowa State. The first time in three games Iowa State won the turnover battle.

Post game chatter

“Shooting is very mental. You just have to have confident thoughts and stay positive.” Mansfield on her shooting confidence.

“This rivalry is a lot bigger than it was in high school. I got a taste of it at the football game, but it’s nothing until you get in Hilton.” Williamson on the Iowa-Iowa State rivalry

“We’re winning the game because we’re guarding, certainly not scoring.” Coach Fennelly on his team’s performance against Iowa.

Up next

Iowa State plays Mississippi Valley State in its next game. The contest is set for Sunday Sept. 11 at Hilton. Tip off is at 2 p.m.