In its final game before the holiday break, the Iowa State women’s basketball team handed Nicholls State a 75-47 beating. 

Riding a two-game win streak, the Cyclones entered Thursday’s afternoon game searching for a win to get them above .500 before Big 12 play starts. The Cyclones were backed by Madison Wise, who scored a game-high 18 points. Wise’s performance came one game after her career-high 19 points against UC-Riverside. 

Heading into halftime, the Cyclones led Nicholls State (5-6, Southland 0-0) 35-27, and were outscored in the second quarter.

However, the Cyclones exploded in the third quarter for 29 points, compared to the Colonels six. Wise hit back-to-back 3-pointers to awake the Cyclones offense and give them a 51-31 lead. Emily Durr added 14 points of her own on 5-of-10 from the field, four of which were 3-pointers. 

Bride Kennedy-Hopoate contributed 11 points and saw the most action of the Cyclones’ post players. Rae Johnson also saw significant time with 30 minutes. 

The Cyclones shot 44.1 percent from the field and won the rebound battle 44-35, but were beat on the offensive glass. 

Iowa State will open Big 12 play against Kansas on Dec. 28.