The Lowdown

Returning after an eight-day stretch without a game can cause any college team problems. Once they shook off the cobwebs, though, the Cyclones didn’t miss a step.

Iowa State (8-2, 0-0 Big 12) defeated Howard (1-12, 1-1 MEAC) 90-44 in the opening round of the Cyclone Classic on Monday, advancing to the championship round.

The Cyclones opened the game shooting less than 20 percent from the field and shot 0-of-6 from the three-point line in the opening minutes. They finished the half shooting 7-of-10 from behind the arc, giving them a comfortable 15-point lead at the break.

The Cyclones came out firing in the second half, going on a 32-2 run, keeping the Lady Bison out of contention. They finished the game shooting 50.7 percent from the field and went 15-of-33 from the three-point line. Bryanna Fernstrom led the Cyclone offense with 18 points.

Big Second Half Run

To open the second half, the Cyclones went on a 32-2 run that spanned nearly 14 minutes. They were able to hold Howard scoreless for the first 12 minutes of the second half.

Up Next

Following their win over Howard, Iowa State has advanced to the championship round of the Cyclone Challenge. They will take on UC Riverside (8-4, 0-0 Big West) on Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. UC Riverside defeated Brown (3-8, 0-0 Ivy League) 70-59 in the opening round of the tournament.