The Iowa State Cyclones are ready to make their return to Hilton Coliseum as they host the Kansas State Wildcats in an exciting matchup on ESPN. This game marks the Cyclones’ sixth appearance on national television this season, with just two left to play. Additionally, the game coincides with Iowa State’s Play4Kay initiative, encouraging fans to wear pink as part of a broader NCAA effort to raise awareness about breast cancer.
After a two-week road trip that included games in Utah, where they managed a win against the Utes but lost to BYU, the Cyclones are looking to maintain their momentum in tournament contention, currently projected for a 7-9 seed. The home game against Kansas State holds importance as it is classified as a Quadrant 3 game since the Wildcats rank 59th in the NET standings.
Key to the Cyclones’ offense is Audi Crooks, who continues to impress as a dominant force on the court. Over the past four games, she has been a consistent contributor, scoring in double digits and averaging 25.5 points per game with an outstanding shooting percentage of 70%. Crooks has been instrumental in drawing defensive attention, helping to open up opportunities for her teammates. The Cyclones have also benefited from improved guard play, especially with the return of Arriana Jackson, along with contributions from Sydney Harris and Jada Williams, who have effectively spread the floor.
On a positive note, Kenzie Hare has shown signs of a resurgence. Despite a disappointing outing in their recent loss, she delivered a strong performance scoring 15 points with a notable 5-of-9 effort from three-point range. Hare’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc will be critical for the Cyclones, as spreading the floor can ease the pressure on Crooks and lead to a more dynamic offensive strategy.
As for the Wildcats, they present a mixed bag. With an inconsistent record of 3-3 away and 4-3 at home during conference play, Kansas State has recorded significant victories, including an impressive win against Oklahoma State, but has also had disappointing defeats. Their core scoring comes from guards Taryn Sides, Nastja Claessens, and Tess Heal, each averaging over ten points per game. Although Brandie Harrod leads the team in rebounds with 5.3 per game, the Wildcats’ versatility is reflected in their multiple contributors on the boards.
The Wildcats have also shown a penchant for forcing turnovers, ranking high in steals and creating defensive pressure. This will be a concern for the Cyclones as they have struggled against pressing defenses in the past.
Looking ahead, several keys will be crucial for Iowa State to secure a victory. First, Audi needs to play intelligent basketball, recognizing when to take it to the basket herself versus when to pass out to open shooters. Scoring over 74 points has proven essential to the Cyclones’ success, as they tend to win when they exceed this threshold. Lastly, reducing turnovers will be vital, especially against a Kansas State team adept at creating chaos with their defensive strategies.
The game is set to tip-off at 1 p.m. at Hilton, with ESPN giving Iowa State a favorable 83% chance to win. The prediction stands at Iowa State 78, Kansas State 68, fostering a sense of optimism for the Cyclones as they prepare to tackle the Wildcats at home.