WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Mistakes doom Cyclones in loss

Nate Sandell

Turnovers and foul trouble spelled doom for No. 20 Iowa State as its eight-game win streak was snapped by No. 5 Baylor, 68-57.

The Cyclones (13-3,1-1), who were on the road for the first time in eight games, committed 20 turnovers and tied their season-high with 20 fouls. The Bears (14-1, 2-0) took advantage of Iowa State’s mistakes, scoring 17 points from free throws and 19 points off turnovers.

Both teams started the game out slow.

Baylor snapped out of its scoring funk in a hurry, leaving Iowa State stumbling behind. The Bears went on a 21-2 run, while holding the visitors without a basket for almost seven minutes. By halftime the Bears led 32-15.

Although Iowa State, who shot a dismal 18.2 percent from the field in the first finally started to find its range after halftime, it proved to be too late. The Cyclones were able to whittle the lead down to 9 points, but a late surge by Baylor kept them at bay.

Although they put up far more impressive offensive numbers, the Bears’ struggles were similar to those of Iowa State. Baylor recorded 17 turnovers and 13 fouls.

Junior Kelsey Bolte was one of the lone bright spots for the Cyclones, finishing with 20 points and one rebound shy of a double-double.

Baylor had three people in double figures. Danielle Wilson led the team in scoring with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Jessica Morrow and Rachel Allison followed behind with 15 and 13 points.

All three of Iowa State’s losses this year have come on the road and by 11 points or more.

The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Cyclones as they travel to Manhattan, Kan., on Saturday for a showdown with No. 17 Kansas State (14-1, 1-1).