Iowa State Women’s Basketball Shocks Rival in Huge Upset—Cyclones Eye Big 12 Title

AMES, Iowa—Fresh off a record-setting 44-point explosion that powered No. 24 Iowa State to a 93-68 bounce-back win over Cincinnati, the Cyclones return to Hilton Coliseum this afternoon aiming to keep momentum rolling against the Arizona Wildcats. The victory snapped a four-game skid and moved Bill Fennelly’s squad to 15-5 overall, 3-5 in the Big 12. Guard Jada Williams became the program’s single-game conference scoring leader and second-highest scorer all-time, drilling six threes and accounting for 62 percent of ISU’s offense via points or assists—numbers that instantly vaulted her into national player-of-the-week conversations. Center Audi Crooks added 24 points to extend her NCAA-best streak of double-figure games to 86, while sophomore Arianna Jackson’s return injected perimeter defense and tempo. Today’s non-conference matinee (3 p.m. CT, FS1) carries postseason weight. A win over Arizona would strengthen Iowa State’s NET and protect an unblemished home résumé as March approaches. The Wildcats arrive at 12-7 and boast one of the Pac-12’s stingiest defenses, forcing 18 turnovers per game. Their backcourt tandem of Kailyn Gilbert and Skylar Jones thrives in transition—an area where ISU committed just 10 turnovers Wednesday, its lowest total since December. Availability will be the headline. Star freshman forward Addy Brown remains out with a lower-body injury, and Williams was downgraded to game-time decision on Saturday’s final injury report after experiencing soreness during Friday’s walkthrough. Should she be limited, expect Jackson and sharpshooter Kenzie Hare to shoulder additional ball-handling reps, while Crooks—shooting 61 percent inside—figures to see early touches against Arizona’s undersized front line. Keys to watch: 1. Tempo control. Iowa State averages 82.1 ppg at home; Arizona allows just 62.7. The Cyclones will push pace off defensive rebounds, but must balance quick looks with Crooks’ interior dominance. 2. Perimeter glass. The Wildcats rank top-20 nationally in offensive-rebound rate by guards. Boxing out Jones and freshman wing Montaya Dew (out with ankle sprain) could swing second-chance points. 3. Bench spark. If Williams’ minutes are monitored, freshman Reagan Wilson’s three-point shooting (42 percent Big 12 play) becomes critical to stretching Arizona’s packed-in defense. Hilton Magic is expected to approach a sellout; tickets remain on Ticketmaster, and students can still claim free admission through the Cyclone Alley app. Fans unable to attend can stream via the Fox Sports app or listen on the Cyclone Radio Network. Long term, Saturday launches a pivotal three-game stretch that includes a trip to No. 17 Texas Tech and a home date with UCF. Navigating it at least 2-1 would vault Iowa State back into the Big 12’s upper tier and solidify at-large seeding. Bottom line: Whether Williams suits up or not, the Cyclones have rediscovered their swagger. Replicating Wednesday’s defensive focus, feeding Crooks early, and containing Arizona’s guards could extend the win streak, sustain national buzz and keep Ames squarely in the women’s-basketball spotlight.