AMES — Iowa State returned home for the first time since Nov. 20, as it hosted North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Sunday. The Cyclones took the win against the Seahawks.
Led by forward Addy Brown’s double-double performance, Iowa State did enough to get the job done back at home to get them their 85-58 win.
This is the first time the Cyclones have gotten back-to-back wins this season and they will look to carry their momentum heading into their big matchup Wednesday.
Brown steals the show in Iowa State’s victory
Brown led the Cyclones’ scoring in their win over UNCW, finishing the game with 24 points. Brown was efficient from the shots she took with 9-for-14 from the field, 4-of-5 from 3-point range with two made free throw attempts.
Brown also made an impact in other ways: she collected 10 assists, five rebounds, one steal and blocked one shot as well. This was Brown’s second career double-double, the first time when it came to having double-digit assists.
Head coach Bill Fennelly sees the potential in Brown potentially becoming a leader on this young Cyclones team, as he talks about her breakout performance.
“She’s ultra skilled and her basketball IQ is ridiculously high,” Fennelly said. “She comes from a family that understands the college game, so this whole world is not new to her and she still embraces it.”
Fennelly also mentioned Brown was put in to be the point guard at times due to the absence of guard Arianna Jackson because she is willing to take any opportunity that comes toward her.
Brown was even being compared to former Cyclones Bridget Carleton and Ashley Joens by Fennelly, and she discussed how honored she is to be thrown into a list of names that hold such a high prowess in this program.
“It’s really cool,” Brown said. “It’s always special to be compared to those two, considering what they’ve done for this school.”
This was Brown’s first career game with at least 20 points, as she continues to reach new heights in her young career.
Cyclone defense holds strong in stellar performance
Iowa State had one of its better defensive performances of the season in the win against UNCW on Sunday, as the team held the Seahawks to 58 total points in the game.
But what made it a standout performance for the Cyclones was the fact the Seahawks shot 20-for-72 from the field, and 4-for-22 from three-point range, as Iowa State held its own on the defensive end of the court.
Fennelly gave his thoughts on the defense’s performance that inevitably helped the Cyclones pull out this home win against UNCW.
“I thought defensively we were good,” Fennelly said. “The idea of following the scouting report, understanding what you need to do and being accountable for your own personal defense is key.”
With what Iowa State has coming up against some high-powered offenses, the Cyclones will need to have another performance like this to keep the game within reach for them.
Great home win hopes to prepare Iowa State for its toughest challenge yet
While the Cyclones got the job done back in front of their home crowd Sunday, they face their toughest challenge yet Wednesday where they will host the annual Cy-Hawk matchup with Iowa.
Iowa, led by superstar Caitlin Clark, is currently ranked fourth in the nation. The team has bulldozed its competition as shown in the 8-1 record thus far.
Forward Jalynn Bristow has reached double-digit points in the last two games for Iowa State, including her career best in Sunday’s win over UNCW with a 13-point performance, as she looks forward to bringing this momentum for what lies ahead.
“These two games are just going to be used for momentum to push us forward,” Bristow said. “These two wins can be leaned on towards the energy for the game we got coming up.”
Hilton Coliseum should be rocking with their sold-out crowd expected, as Iowa State hopes to shock the world Wednesday night with a win.
