Iowa State women bounce back after tough loss with victory over Middle Tennessee

In Fort Meyers, Florida, the Iowa State women's basketball team faced off against Middle Tennessee on Saturday, November 30, 2024, after suffering a significant defeat to South Carolina just days prior. The game was part of the Fort Meyers Women’s Tip-Off, and the Cyclones were eager to secure a victory against the Blue Racers to restore their confidence. Audi Crooks led the scoring for Iowa State, racking up 21 points, which played a crucial role in the team's performance. The Cyclones closed the first half with a strong 10-2 run, taking a 41-33 lead into halftime. Mackenzie Hare contributed significantly with a steal that resulted in a three-point play, while Addy Brown made a buzzer-beating three-pointer just before the half ended. Over the course of the game, Brown finished with impressive stats, including 12 points and 8 rebounds. Despite their strong start, Iowa State faced a challenge from Middle Tennessee, whose Ta'Mia Scott was particularly formidable, scoring 24 points, with 17 of those coming in the second half. During the third quarter, Iowa State expanded their lead to 16 points, fueled by Hare’s conversion of three free throws after a foul and a timely three-pointer from Aili Tanke. However, Middle Tennessee fought back, successfully hitting six free throws to cut the deficit to 11 points as the final period approached. The Blue Racers, known for their resilience, only managed to shoot 28% in the first half but made strides in the second half with a notably better free throw performance. As the final quarter began, Iowa State unleashed an 11-3 scoring run, which effectively secured their victory, as Middle Tennessee fell further behind. By the end of the match, Iowa State had significantly outperformed the opposition, with an overall shooting percentage of 55% compared to Middle Tennessee’s 31.5%. The Cyclones also excelled from beyond the arc with eight successful three-point shots, demonstrating their offensive prowess. This game not only highlighted Iowa State’s ability to adapt and overcome a prior defeat but also solidified their standing with a record of 6-2 after the win.