The Iowa State women’s basketball team got a much-needed boost in confidence Sunday, strolling past the North Carolina Central Eagles 99-58.

Junior forward Meredith Burkhall led the Cyclones in scoring at halftime with 17 points on the back of an 8-for-8 first half shooting. 

The Cyclones struggled to get going through the first five minutes, and both teams were shooting a combined 5-for-17 at one point. The Cyclones eventually woke up and ended the first quarter on a 22-to-3 run led by freshman center Kristin Scott and Burkhall, who combined for 17 of Iowa State’s 26 first-quarter points. 

The Cyclones were moving the ball better than at any time this season, and assisted 15 of their 18 first-half field goals. North Carolina Central shot 8-for-24 in the first half and turned the ball over 15 times.

The second half was more of the same for Iowa State. There was no answer from North Carolina Central, and the Cyclones’ post game was dominant. Kristin Scott had nine points in the third, and Iowa State led by 40 with one quarter to play. 

Four Cyclones finished the game in double figures and Bridget Carleton led the Cyclones with 21 points on 8-for-14 shooting. She also contributed six assists and four rebounds. Kristin Scott finished with a career-high 19 points. The Cyclones had a season-high 29 assists on 37 made field goals.

Up next for Iowa State is a game against the UC Riverside Highlanders on Sunday, Dec. 17, at noon.