Iowa State Edges Kansas in thrilling Big 12 Opener
Iowa State secured a hard-fought 79-76 victory over kansas on sunday, kicking off their big 12 campaign with a statement win. The Cyclones remain undefeated at 13-0, showcasing their resilience in a game that went down to the wire.
This contest was a true battle, with both teams demonstrating impressive offensive firepower and defensive grit. You witnessed a game decided by a single, clutch shot, highlighting the unpredictable nature of college basketball.
Crooks Continues Dominance
Ashley Joens’ absence is barely felt with the emergence of Addy Crooks, who continues to cement her status as a national force. She poured in a remarkable 41 points, shooting an incredible 19-of-28 from the field.
crooks has now scored in double figures for an astounding 79 consecutive games, a testament to her consistency and skill. Her ability to consistently find the basket is a major reason why the Cyclones are a team to watch this season.
hear’s a fast look at key contributors for Iowa State:
* Addy Crooks: 41 points, 19-of-28 FG
* Addy Brown: 16 points, 8 rebounds
* Jada Williams: 11 points, 10 assists, 2 steals
Hare’s Heroics Seal the Deal
the game hung in the balance until the very end, with Kansas mounting a furious comeback. Though, it was freshman Audi Hare who delivered the decisive blow.
Hare, receiving a pass from Addy Brown, calmly drained a jump shot over Elle Evans with just seconds remaining. This clutch basket sent the Iowa State bench into a frenzy and ultimately secured the win. It was her only points of the game, but thay were arguably the most significant.
Jayhawks Fall Short Despite Nichols’ Effort
Kansas put up a valiant fight, led by S’Mya Nichols’ impressive 29-point performance.She nearly single-handedly brought the Jayhawks back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
Nichols tied the game at 76 with a driving layup against Arianna Jackson, but Hare’s subsequent shot proved to be the difference. Despite the loss, Nichols demonstrated her scoring prowess and potential as a key player for kansas.
Strategic Choices & Injury Concerns
Interestingly, Kansas opted for a one-on-one defensive approach against Crooks, primarily utilizing Lilly Meister. This strategy allowed Crooks to consistently exploit mismatches and score with relative ease.
Simultaneously occurring, Kansas continues to navigate a challenging situation with injuries. They were without Regan Williams for their third straight game and Jaliya Davis for the tenth consecutive contest. These absences undoubtedly impacted their depth and overall performance.
Series History & Looking Ahead
iowa State has now won three straight against Kansas, and the jayhawks haven’t secured a victory in Ames since 2015. This win provides a significant boost for the Cyclones as they look to build momentum in Big 12 play.
I believe this game showcased the competitive spirit of the Big 12 and sets the stage for an exciting conference season. You can expect both teams to learn from this contest and continue to develop as the year progresses.
