Iowa State is gearing up for a significant showdown as they travel to Fort Worth to challenge No. 12 TCU on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. The Cyclones are set to face off against the Horned Frogs in what marks their most crucial road game of the season. TCU boasts an impressive home winning streak of 40 games, a streak that has earned their venue the reputation of “funkytown.”
The match comes at an important time for Iowa State, who is looking to break a three-season losing streak against TCU. Last season, the Cyclones fell to the Horned Frogs 82-69, which halted their six-game winning streak in this rivalry. This year, with a record of 21-6 and 9-6 in the Big 12, Iowa State is determined to turn the tide.
Head coach Bill Fennelly emphasized the boost his team has received with the return of Addy Brown, saying, “It all came together… we just got a boost of adrenaline when she came back.” Brown, who missed 11 consecutive games, made a strong return with six points, seven rebounds, and six assists in Iowa State’s recent 90-64 victory over Arizona State.
However, Iowa State faces a formidable opponent in TCU, who holds a record of 24-4 and is 12-3 in the Big 12. Olivia Miles, a graduate guard who transferred from Notre Dame, has been a key asset. Miles was recently named the Big 12 Player of the Week and has made significant contributions on both ends of the court, averaging 20.1 points and leading the team in free throws with 107 successful attempts. Her ability to create opportunities, evidenced by 182 assists this season, makes her a constant threat.
Yet, Miles also presents an opening for the Cyclones, with 107 turnovers on the season, giving Iowa State a chance to capitalize on these mistakes. Besides Miles, TCU’s roster features talents like sophomore center Clara Silvia, who leads the team in rebounding with an average of 7.6 per game, and graduate student guard Marta Suarez, who contributes significantly with 16.4 points and an impressive 89.3% free-throw percentage.
Iowa State’s optimism is bolstered by the reintroduction of Brown into their lineup, which enhances their offensive capabilities. Junior center Audi Crooks noted how adapting to Brown’s absence has forced the team to become more versatile: “Our team, with that adversity, trying to figure things out; it’s just gonna make us more skilled in the future.”
As Iowa State prepares for the challenge against TCU, the team is focused on leveraging their strengths and enhancing their skill set as they strive to enter the postseason on a high note. The upcoming game promises to be an intense battle between two determined teams, each looking to make a mark for the remainder of the season.