The ISU women’s basketball team obliterated the competition in the American Family Insurance Cyclone Challenge. After opening the tournament with a 89-39 beatdown against Niagara, the Cyclones defeated North Dakota 76-46 in the championship game.

Guard Heather Ezell, who was named the tournament MVP, led the Cyclones with 15 points, while Freshman Ashley Arlen put in 14 of her own against the Fighting Sioux.

Ezell commented on what Arlen adds to the Cyclones’ success.

“She brings a lot of energy for us,” Ezell said. “She really gets in there and battles on the boards.”

Senior Kelsey Bolte also added nine points and eight rebounds for Iowa State.

After the first half, Iowa State held a 36-12 lead. Freshman Alexis Yackley, who scored 9 points, sank two free throws at the 13:51 minute-mark in the second half to put the Cyclones up by 37 points, their largest lead of the game.

North Dakota was able to whittle the lead down by 17 points, but by then all of Iowa State’s starters had taken spots on the bench. It was another big night for the Cyclone bench as they scored 40 points.

The Cyclones dominated the boards on both ends of the court, tallying 53 rebounds to North Dakota’s 28.

Alison Lacey was in as a starter after being held out of the Niagara game due what was named a mild concussion she suffered during practice. Lacey shot only 16 percent from the field (2-12), finishing with five points, five rebounds, and four assists.

Iowa State (10-2) continued its home streak with a record of 6-0 at Hilton Coliseum this season. The Cyclones are now riding a five game winning streak as they head into their Jan. 3 showdown with No. 20 Vanderbilt.

“I am excited to be where we are knowing what’s ahead of us,” said head coach Bill Fennelly.