It’s hard to score on the Cyclones at Hilton Coliseum. Iowa State proved that for the second time this season with a 64-46 victory over Drake on Monday. 

The victory moved the team’s record to 2-0, the 500th career victory for coach Bill Fennelly.

Iowa State has now held both of its opponents under 50 points so far this season. Drake shot 18-of-60 from the field and only allowed the Bulldogs to get to the line eight times.

“We were just concentrating on playing them tight,” said junior point guard Lauren Mansfield. “We tried to force them left on each play. That definitely was the difference in the game.”

After taking a 12-7 lead in the first half, Drake scored seven straight points to take the lead at 14-12. The Cyclones then took the lead back shortly thereafter and shut the door.

“I think we did a really good job of taking care of the ball,” said senior shooting guard Kelsey Bolte. “We just knuckled down defensively and did what we had to do. We were changing our defense quite a bit. That is going to make everyone else’s head spin when we’re changing defenses all the time.”

Kristin Turk was the lone bright spot for Drake, scoring 14 points on 6-for-15 shooting. Rachel Hackbarth helped out with 13 points as she also went 6-of-15. 

Iowa State out-rebounded Drake 45-36 with Hallie Christofferson leading the way with 14 rebounds to go with her six points. 

“That’s a kid that’s a true freshman that is one of the leading scorers in our state,” Fennelly said of Christofferson. “She made a name for herself doing other things.”

Center Anna Prins is glad to have Christofferson helping out in the post. She knows her teammate has a variety of skills that are beneficial to the team’s post game.

“She brings a lot to the team,” Prins said. “She has a lot of hustle plays. She’s really crafty and definitely brings another aspect to the post game.”

Bolte led the Cyclones with 16 points and grabbed four boards. She had another impressive shooting night, converting six of her 12 shots from the field, including four of six 3-pointers.

Mansfield scored 11 points and had eight assists in her second start as a Cyclone. She also had four rebounds and was 4-of-5 from the line.

The Cyclones had to use their defense to win the game. They struggled from the field themselves, shooting just 38.6 percent from the field. They also had 10 turnovers in the first half compared to four in the second half.

“We tried to tell them that any time there was any doubt, [Mansfield] had to have the ball,” Fennelly said. “Let the point guard handle the ball, make the easy play and don’t force it.”

Mansfield continued to gain confidence in running the offense against Drake. She had just one basket in the season-opener, but tallied nine assists.

Her 11 points Monday showed more of her being able to take charge and handle some of the scoring load.

“I think as the games go on, I feel more comfortable,” Mansfield said. “The scouting helps me feel more comfortable and helps me learn.”

The Cyclones next face Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.