Cyclones’ season ends at the hands of Marist

David Merrill

Iowa State’s trip to the NCAA Tournament ended earlier than the team team has become accustomed to Saturday.

The No. 7 seed Cyclones fell victim to the No. 10 Red Foxes of Marist, 74-64 in the first round in Durham, N.C. 

Sophomore center Anna Prins and senior shooting guard Kelsey Bolte led the way for Iowa State. Prins poured in 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Bolte added 18 points, seven rebounds and dished out five assists.

Iowa State, as has been true all season long, stumbled in the first half while Marist created some space on the scoreboard via the 3-point shot. 

The Red Foxes shot 41 percent from behind the arc in the first half and  took a 40-25 lead into the locker room, but Prins and Bolte led the Iowa State comeback in the second half.

The Cyclones cut the Red Fox lead to six with 4:26 remaining in the second half, but were unable to catch up completely.

Rebounding in the second half also gave Iowa State a chance at the end. The Cyclones grabbed 17 offensive rebounds to Marist’s four and out-rebounded them 47-29 over the course of the game.

Forward Katie Oliver led Marist with 16 points and grabbed five boards, but she had plenty of help. Marist had five scorers in double figures. Guard Elise Caron and forward Brandy Gang shot 3-4 from 3-point range.

The Red Foxes extended their winning streak to 27 games in a row, while Iowa State was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006-2007.

The Cyclones end the season with a 22-11 record overall.