As Iowa State prepares to host Oklahoma State in their final home game of the season, the Cyclones are eager for a chance at redemption after suffering their largest defeat of the season at the hands of the Cowgirls. Iowa State returns to Hilton Coliseum following a competitive game against TCU, where they unfortunately succumbed to an 80-73 loss. The Cyclones led by 13 points with just seven minutes remaining but were unable to secure the win, a disappointment for a team that has battled injuries and a five-game losing streak earlier this season.
In this home matchup, Iowa State will honor its lone senior, Sydney Harris, during a brief ceremony. Harris, who has spent time at Central Michigan and TCU before settling in Ames, has played a crucial role off the bench, averaging 7.2 points and 3 rebounds per game over her two seasons with the Cyclones.
When Iowa State faced Oklahoma State earlier in the season, the game was a challenging experience, ending in a lopsided 86-58 loss that exposed weaknesses during a time when key players Addy Brown and Arianna Jackson were sidelined. However, both players have since returned to the lineup and are expected to bring their former prowess back to the court, making this rematch promising for a more competitive outcome.
Reflecting on the loss to TCU, Iowa State’s performance in the first three quarters was commendable, built around strong defensive efforts that limited TCU’s star player, Olivia Miles, to just 2-14 shooting. The Cyclones exhibited effective ball movement, committing only three turnovers while maintaining a lead. However, in the fourth quarter, they faltered, scoring just seven points as the focus of the offense narrowed to only a few players, allowing TCU to exploit defensive gaps.
A few lessons emerged from the TCU game: the Cyclones have the potential to contend against top teams but must also guard against lapses in performance that could undermine their play in the postseason.
Positioning themselves against a balanced Oklahoma State team featuring several players scoring between 8 and 15 points, Iowa State will need to be vigilant. Although the Cowgirls have faced recent injury setbacks, particularly with point guard Jadyn Wooten listed as questionable, their ability to maintain offensive pressure remains a threat. Oklahoma State’s recent game saw them struggle offensively against West Virginia, highlighting the unpredictability of their lineup.
For Iowa State to triumph in their final home game, solid defensive efforts from all players will be crucial, especially against Oklahoma State’s high-volume three-point shooting. With both teams averaging over eight three-pointers made per game, the ability to dominate from beyond the arc could be the deciding factor in the matchup. Furthermore, a consistent scoring output will be essential, as the Cyclones have often found success when they total 74 points or more in a game.
As the Cyclones aim for a victory and a successful close to the season, anticipation builds for an exciting contest at Hilton Coliseum, where they look to defeat Oklahoma State with a predicted score of 81-73.