The Lowdown

Iowa State (2-1, 0-0 Big 12) defeated Texas State (2-2, 0-0 Sun Belt) on Nov. 26, beginning the Cancun Challenge in Cancun, Mex., with an 83-61 victory. The win marked the team’s first in nearly two weeks — since its win against Hampton on Nov. 13.

Texas State led 12-11 in the first quarter when senior Nicole “Kidd” Blaskowsky hit a three to put the Cyclones out in front. Freshman Bridget Carleton followed Blaskowsky with a triple of her own — extending the lead to 17-12 — and the Cyclones never looked back.

After finishing the opening quarter with a seven-point lead, Iowa State gained even more ground in the second quarter — heading into the half with a 38-25 lead. The deficit proved too much for Texas State to overcome as Iowa State cruised to an 83-61 victory.

The X-Factor

Sophomore F Bryanna Fernstrom — Fernstrom, earning her first start of the season, opened Thursday’s contest by scoring each of Iowa State’s first seven points and nine of its first 11. A buzzer-beating short jumper, assisted by junior Seanna Johnson, gave Fernstrom 11 of Iowa State’s 22 points in the first quarter.

Fernstrom was held scoreless in the second quarter, but she reemerged in the third. Fernstrom netted 12 points and grabbed two boards in the third quarter for her second career double-double. She finished the game with 25 points, which tied her career high, and 10 rebounds, shooting 12-14 from the field.

By the Numbers

646 – The Cyclones extended their NCAA-record streak on Thursday of 646 straight games with a three-pointer.

4 – Four ISU players were in double-figures for scoring: Fernstrom, Blaskowsky, Johnson and Carleton.

21 – The Cyclones held a 21-rebound margin on the Bobcats — 44-23.

34.8 – Iowa State held Texas State to 34.8 percent shooting from the field, while making 49.2 percent of its own shots on the game.

2 – Thursday marked Iowa State’s second win against Texas State all-time and its first win since the name change from Southwest Texas State.