The Lowdown

Iowa State (4-3, 0-0 Big 12) defeated Southern (2-4, 0-0 SWAC) on Dec. 6, 86-46, earning back-to-back wins for the first time this regular season. Every Cyclone that dressed for the game saw action in the 40-point victory.

After trailing 6-5 early, the Cyclones tallied a 9-0 run led by sophomore Bryanna Fernstrom to take a 14-6 lead late in the first quarter. A three-pointer by redshirt sophomore Jadda Buckley capped off the run as Iowa State ended the quarter with a 15-10 lead.

Freshman Meredith Burkhall led the ISU charge in the second quarter, netting 12 points and two rebounds. The Cyclones used another 7-0 run to head into the half, leading 37-23. Junior Seanna Johnson notched eight points and nine rebounds in the opening half.

Buckley helped extend the ISU lead in the third quarter with nine points as the Cyclones entered the fourth with a 65-42 lead. That lead only grew in the final 12 minutes, and the Cyclones notched their fourth victory of the season, 86-46.

Iowa State played without freshman Bridget Carleton, who sustained a head injury during the Cancun Challenge.

The X-Factor

Freshman F Meredith Burkhall — After being held scoreless in the first quarter, Burkhall notched 12 points in the second quarter — leading all scorers at the half. She added six points and six rebounds in the second half, finishing with 18 points and eight boards — both career-high numbers.

Burkhall also led all players with nine field goals, shooting 64.2 percent on the day. She played 27 minutes, fourth among the Cyclones.

By the Numbers

10 – The Cyclones missed 10 free throws in the game, a season high. After going 11-19, 57.9 percent, in the first half, the Cyclones improved to shoot 11-13, 84.6 percent, to finish the game.

29 – The Cyclones scored 29 points off the bench against the Jaguars — Blaskowsky led the group with 11 points.

14 – Johnson led all players with 14 rebounds on the day. Adding that to her 12 points, she had enough for her fifth double-double of the season in seven games.

27 – Iowa State out-rebounded Southern by 27 boards on the game, 61-34.