Iowa State Dominates Houston Behind Crooks’ Stellar Performance
Iowa State continued its remarkable undefeated season with an 80-62 victory over Houston on Wednesday, showcasing a dominant performance fueled by Audi crooks and Jada Williams. The No. 10 Cyclones are now 14-0 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play, proving thay are a force to be reckoned with.
Crooks and Williams Lead the charge
Audi Crooks was simply unstoppable, pouring in a game-high 35 points alongside 13 rebounds. Jada Williams provided a masterful assist display,racking up a career-best 14 assists to go with her 16 points.
Together, this dynamic duo ignited the Iowa State offense, particularly in the first half.They combined for 25 points on remarkably efficient 11-of-15 shooting, establishing a comfortable 45-31 halftime lead.
first-half Firepower
Iowa State’s shooting prowess was on full display in the first half, connecting on 60% of their field goal attempts.This efficiency allowed them to build a significant advantage and control the tempo of the game.
Crooks’ performance was particularly noteworthy, finishing the game a phenomenal 17-of-21 from the field. She has now scored at least 30 points in five consecutive games, a testament to her consistent scoring ability. Furthermore, she’s reached double figures in a remarkable 80 straight contests – currently the longest active streak in the nation.
Controlling the Paint
The Cyclones’ victory wasn’t just about outside shooting; they completely dominated the paint. iowa State outscored Houston 52-24 in the paint, demonstrating their physicality and interior presence.
iowa State shot 53% from the field and knocked down 8-of-16 three-pointers, showcasing a balanced offensive attack.
Houston Struggles to Keep Pace
Despite a strong start, Houston couldn’t maintain momentum against the relentless Cyclones. Briana Peguero led the Cougars with 14 points, while Jade Jones contributed 11 off the bench.
However, Houston’s 38% shooting percentage proved insufficient to challenge Iowa State’s offensive firepower. They briefly led 14-7 early in the first quarter, thanks to a jumper from Jorynn Ross, but Iowa State quickly responded.
Cyclones’ Decisive Runs
Iowa State answered Houston’s early lead with a 12-0 run spanning the first and second quarters, taking a 19-14 advantage. A layup by Crooks initiated this crucial shift in momentum.
After Houston narrowed the gap to 29-27, Iowa State closed the first half with a commanding 16-4 spurt, capped by a buzzer-beating jumper from Williams. During this run, the Cyclones made six consecutive field goals, effectively sealing their fate. Houston never threatened again, remaining at least nine points behind for the remainder of the game.
If you’re a college basketball fan, keep a close eye on Iowa State.They’re playing with confidence and efficiency,and Audi Crooks is quickly becoming one of the most exciting players to watch in the nation.
