The Lowdown

Looking to avenge their first home loss of the season, the Cyclones took the court Jan. 31, closing off the back half of a men and women’s double-header matchup.

Iowa State (14-6, 5-4 Big 12) took on Oklahoma State (13-7, 3-6 Big 12) in its first matchup of the season. But by the time the final buzzer sounded, the Cyclones had dropped their second straight game at home, falling 63-62 to the Cowgirls.

For the most part, the first half was a one-man show. Freshman center Bryanna Fernstrom netted 19 points in the first half, including 13 straight points to open the game for the Cyclones. Fernstrom was nearly unstoppable inside the paint and was the only Cyclone to score for about eight minutes of play.

The Cowgirls were able to take a five-point lead at the break, leading 36-31 at halftime.

The Cyclones were able to retake the lead 49-47 with 11 minutes left in the second half. The lead changed 10 more times, with both teams battling back and forth.

With just under a minute to go, Seanna Johnson hits a pair of free throws to give Iowa State a one-point lead. The Cowgirls were given one last chance, however. With just 2.5 seconds left, Oklahoma State guard Brittney Martin knocked down a jumper, giving the Cowgirls a one-point lead and eventually the win.

X-Factor

Fernstrom’s first-half performance kept the Cyclones in the game when they struggled on offense early. The freshman opened the game with 13 straight points and finished the first half with 19 total points.

Fernstrom’s game continued well into the second half. She finished the game with 23 points, shooting better than 64 percent from the field.

Up Next

The Cyclones will travel next to Stillwater, Okla. for their first conference matchup of the season with the No. 24 Oklahoma Sooners (13-6, 7-1 Big 12) on Feb. 4. The matchup will begin at 10:30 a.m. and can be seen on Sooner Sports.tv.