Iowa State women’s basketball coach Bill Fennelly was enjoying the moment after his team’s thrilling last-second victory over Drake when he received an intriguing comment from his grandson, Will. Will informed Fennelly that South Carolina had suffered a surprising defeat against UCLA, resulting in the Gamecocks’ first loss of the season. This revelation set the tone for Iowa State’s upcoming challenge, as they are set to face South Carolina on Thursday during the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off in Fort Myers, Florida, at 12:30 p.m. (FOX).
Fennelly acknowledged the weight of the comment, recognizing the potential mood of the South Carolina team after their unexpected loss. The matchup promises to be a challenging one for Iowa State (5-1), as they will be pitted against one of the nation’s top programs, which recently captured a national championship and maintained a remarkable 43-game winning streak before the setback against UCLA.
Despite the formidable challenge, Iowa State players are eager to seize this opportunity. Point guard Emily Ryan expressed her enthusiasm, noting that the team is ready to embrace the challenge rather than shy away from it. The Cyclones are also slated to face another prominent program, UConn, in December, making their non-conference schedule particularly demanding.
Fennelly did not initially plan to go up against South Carolina, as he had already committed to participate in the Fort Myers Tip-Off. However, upon realizing South Carolina would also compete in the event, he recognized the significance of facing such a strong team and the chance to showcase Iowa State on a national platform.
This game will serve as an essential measuring stick for the Cyclones, who have high aspirations following a successful season that saw them reach the Big 12 Conference Tournament title game. After a rocky start that included a loss to Northern Iowa and a close call against Drake, the matchup against South Carolina will allow the team to gauge their capabilities and determination.
As the Cyclones prepare for this high-stakes game, players like Audi Crooks see it as an exciting chance to display their talent and represent Iowa State effectively. Fennelly concludes that this matchup will not only challenge his players but will also provide a valuable opportunity to improve and grow as a team.
In summary, Iowa State’s upcoming game against South Carolina presents both a challenging opportunity and a chance for the Cyclones to demonstrate their growth. As they face one of the best teams in women’s basketball, it’s a moment to showcase their skills, resilience, and passion for the game. Regardless of the outcome, this matchup is set to be an exciting highlight in Iowa State’s season.