Iowa State women’s basketball head coach Bill Fennelly found himself in a celebratory mood after his team’s exhilarating last-second victory over Drake on Sunday at Hilton Coliseum. During the joyous moments, his grandson, Will Fennelly, approached him with news about a significant upset in women’s college basketball, highlighting South Carolina’s defeat by UCLA, marking their first loss of the season.
Will warned his grandfather, “Grandpa, you’re in trouble,” signaling that the South Carolina team would likely be eager for a rebound after this setback. Coach Fennelly acknowledged Will’s observation, knowing the challenge ahead for his squad.
The Cyclones are set to face South Carolina, a powerhouse program and reigning national champions, in their next matchup at the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. (FOX). Iowa State is currently 5-1 and will have the chance to test their skills against a team that had recently extended its winning streak to 43 games before the loss.
Regardless of the heightened pressure, Iowa State’s players are eager to seize this opportunity. Point guard Emily Ryan expressed their excitement, noting they are looking forward to facing a top-tier opponent.
This matchup forms part of a rigorous non-conference schedule for Iowa State, which also includes a game against the storied UConn program on December 17.
Fennelly had agreed to participate in the Fort Myers Tip-Off without initially knowing about South Carolina’s inclusion. His earlier conversation with UConn’s legendary coach Geno Auriemma spurred him to think about scheduling formidable opponents.
Upon learning that Iowa State would be vying against South Carolina, Fennelly recognized the tremendous visibility it provides his program. He humorously remarked that it would be a “two-hour infomercial” for the school. More significantly, this game will serve as an essential gauge of Iowa State’s capabilities, especially given their strong expectations following last season, which saw them reach the Big 12 Championship game.
Despite some early bumps in the season, including a defeat against Northern Iowa and a tight game against Drake, the Cyclones hold aspirations for greatness. Post player Audi Crooks mentioned that the upcoming game will teach them valuable lessons about their performance and character as a team.
Overall, this matchup presents a fantastic opportunity—not just to further establish Iowa State’s reputation in women’s basketball, but also to demonstrate resilience and determination on a national stage. The excitement surrounding the event has undoubtedly invigorated both the team and its supporters, fostering a sense of optimism for the challenges ahead.