Iowa State is entering a pivotal stretch with just four games left in the season, currently projected as an 8-9 seed for the NCAA tournament. However, their upcoming matchups are classified as Quadrant 1 or 2, indicating critical opportunities for both victories and losses. The projected win probabilities for Iowa State in the final games show a wide range of outcomes: 1% chance of no wins, 14% chance of one win, 42% chance of two wins, 36% chance of three wins, and a 7% chance of sweeping the slate with four wins. Given these variables, the Cyclones need to maintain aggressive play to secure their spot.
A notable presence during this time has been Addy Brown, who has been sidelined for 11 games due to injury. On Tuesday, she teasingly declared on Twitter it might be time to retire her notebook, signifying her imminent return and involvement with the team. Iowa State struggled initially without Brown, losing their first four games, but has shown significant improvement lately, winning six of their last seven matches. This resurgence coincides with Brown’s potential return, along with her teammate Arrianna Jackson recovering from injury.
Before her injury, Brown averaged impressive stats of 13.1 points, 9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists over 15 games, making her critical to Iowa State’s offensive strategies. Known for her versatility, she recorded six double-doubles, including a standout 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists against Iowa. Her shooting accuracy from beyond the arc at 42% adds another dynamic layer to Iowa State’s offense, which has adapted well in her absence.
Despite earlier setbacks, the team has seemingly progressed beyond its initial struggles and is poised for a strong finish. With multiple players stepping up in their roles, the team has developed a more dynamic approach, which could prove beneficial as they move forward.
Looking ahead, Arizona State poses a significant challenge. The Sun Devils are also competing for a spot in the NCAA tournament, currently sitting on the bubble. They have an 8-6 conference record and need to secure a win against either Iowa State or Texas Tech to bolster their chances. Led by Gabby Elliot and McKinna Brackens, Arizona State has maintained a solid defense throughout the year, ranking highly in turnovers forced and overall defensive scoring.
As both teams gear up for a crucial matchup, Iowa State’s path to victory involves leveraging their learned experiences from earlier in the season and implementing strategic offensive movements. With Addy Brown potentially back in the lineup, her contributions could be pivotal, particularly in exploiting Arizona State’s defensive weaknesses. The Cyclones are favored in this clash, given their current form and statistical analysis, entering the game with a predicted chance of 86.4% to win.
Tonight’s game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. and will be available for viewing on ESPN+. The outcome of this contest could have significant implications for both teams as they strive for tournament positions.