Iowa State crushes SC Upstate with dominant performance
- Iowa State performed strongly against South Carolina Upstate, ending the game with a score of 92-35.
- Audi Crooks had a standout performance with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
- The Cyclones maintained control throughout the game and secured their sixth home victory of the season.
In Ames, Iowa on December 3, 2024, the Iowa State Cyclones women's basketball team showcased an impressive performance against South Carolina Upstate. The 20th-ranked Cyclones defeated the Spartans with a final score of 92-35, marking a significant victory as they continued their strong season. Iowa State set the tone early, building a commanding lead of 20-3 by the end of the first quarter, thanks to successful three-point shots. Audi Crooks led the charge with a double-double, scoring 15 points and pulling down 13 rebounds. Addy Brown contributed with 14 points, while Aili Tanke and Kelsey Joens also added to the scoreboard with 12 and 11 points respectively. The Cyclones exhibited outstanding shooting precision, converting 37.5% of their attempts from beyond the arc, while they managed 55% from the free-throw line. South Carolina Upstate struggled significantly, especially in the second quarter, where they could only score two points—achieved through a single field goal from Gwen Jenkins. Iowa State maintained a significant 48-13 lead at the half, leaving the Spartans without a strong response throughout the game. Iowa State's defense was stifling, not allowing SC Upstate to find their rhythm. The Spartans’ offensive struggles continued into the fourth quarter, where they could only muster five additional points. Overall, it was a dominating and comprehensive win that emphasized Iowa State's capabilities as a serious contender in their season. Iowa State improved to a 7-2 record, showcasing a well-rounded team performance powered by strong individual contributions. With this victory, they won their sixth home game of the season and look poised to continue their success moving forward. As they build momentum in the season, the Cyclones will likely seek to capitalize on this strong performance in subsequent games. This game greatly illustrates the disparities between the two teams in terms of both overall skill level and game preparation, highlighting the challenges that South Carolina Upstate now faces in the ever-competitive basketball landscape. The performance against SC Upstate also serves as a rallying point for the Cyclones as they prepare for future matchups. The challenges faced by SC Upstate in this game may prompt the team to reassess their offensive strategies as they aim to improve their 2-8 record going forward.