AMES—With the season-opening game set to take place with a field trip day theme, the home opener filled Hilton with intense energy. The debut of Iowa State’s electric offense marked a notable start, leading to the Cyclones dominating the Tommies with an 85-36 final.
“You know, just happy that this is a place where schools and different communities want to come for a school field trip, want to experience Hilton Magic and want to watch women’s basketball,” junior center Audi Crooks said.
Throughout the home and season opener, Cyclones across the roster contributed to pushing the team past the Tommies.
Iowa State led St. Thomas with an overwhelming 43-19 in the first half; the energy in Hilton allowed the Cyclones to claim a smooth sailing lead. With 11 points from off the bench in the first quarter, the collective effort of Iowa State’s offense stood strong.
The biggest scoring opportunities came from points off turnovers as the Cyclones scored 17. With a pressing defense, the Iowa State offense, led by St. Thomas, began to fall too far behind.
10 of 11 Cyclones found themselves on the scoreboard. Crooks led the team with 12 points, six of which were free throws, as Crooks went 85% on free throws in the first half.
“It’s a matter of consistency,” Crooks said. “So now being able to see that work to fruition, it means a lot, and I’m happy to be able to contribute a little bit more.”
The rebounds of Iowa State allowed the team to maintain possession for 92% of the first half. With 24 rebounds, three Cyclones found themselves with three rebounds each to lead the team in the first half.
Junior guard Arianna Jackson, freshman guard Reese Beaty and junior guard Jada Williams collectively led in rebounds. Six of the other Iowa State players put up rebounds as well.
Another standout area for the Cyclones in the first half was assists, where six Iowa State players put up assists. Both Williams and junior forward Addy Brown led the team with three assists.
As the Cyclones carried their lead into the second half, the team started lighting up the hoop with a 22-5 third-quarter blowout over the Tommies. Crooks and Brown led the scoring with eight and seven points each.
The rebounds of Iowa State also continued to allow the team to press St. Thomas. Brown stayed aggressive under the net to lead with four. Similarly, Brown led with three assists.
A humble fourth-quarter offensive slowdown allowed the opportunity for new Cyclones to get playing time, as the field-trip day victory was crossed off Iowa State’s to-do list.
The final five minutes allowed players who don’t usually see much game time to shine.
“I thought all of them did a really good job, and it’s fun to get them out there,” Iowa State Head Coach Bill Fennelly said. “They work as hard as everyone else.”
Freshman Freya Jensen earned her first collegiate points with a basket and a free throw, along with a rebound during her playing time. Similarly, Beaty’s glimpse of her career looks to assist the Cyclones as they approach a new season. Beaty closed out the game with five points, four rebounds and four assists.
“Just being able to contribute in many categories is huge,” Beaty said. “Scoring is not my game, like assists, throwing it up to Audi [Crooks], throwing it to AB [Brown], whoever and then relying on teammates to knock down shots and making me look good.”
With playing time and contributions for all of Iowa State’s players in the home opener, all players proved to play key roles in the blowout victory.
