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Iowa Women's Basketball vs Iowa State: Game Insights and Updates

Get all the highlights, scores, and how to watch the Iowa vs Iowa State women's basketball game. Key player updates inside!

An action-packed scene from the Iowa women's basketball game against Iowa State, showcasing players fiercely competing. In the foreground, Audi Crooks from Iowa State drives towards the basket, her intense focus highlighting the competitive nature of the matchup. The background features cheering fans, displaying the electric atmosphere in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The image captures the vibrant team colors of both schools and the sharp contrast of the players' uniforms against the polished hardwood floor, symbolizing the fierce rivalry and high stakes of college basketball.

Iowa Women's Basketball Meets Iowa State: A Rivalry Renewed

On the evening of December 11, a thrilling matchup awaited between the No. 24 Iowa women's basketball team and No. 17 Iowa State Cyclones at the iconic Carver-Hawkeye Arena. With both teams coming off different trajectories in their previous games, the anticipation among fans was palpable as the rivalry intensified.

Game Overview: A Roller Coaster First Half

The first half showcased an intense atmosphere, with both teams trading blows. By 8:51 PM CT, the score stood at 30-28 in favor of Iowa State (ISU) during the second quarter. Addy Brown's offensive foul was noteworthy, marking her third foul early—an alarming sign for the Cyclones as she had been pivotal in their offense with 9 points.

Contrastingly, Audi Crooks emerged as a standout player for ISU, scoring 14 points, while for the Hawkeyes, Lucy Olsen took charge with 12 points. As the game progressed, the physicality escalated, with a combined total of 13 personal fouls reflecting the aggressive playstyle.

Key Player Contributions

  • Audi Crooks (ISU): Demonstrated incredible agility and scoring prowess inside, finishing the first half with 14 points, showcasing her ability to create space effectively and score with finesse.
  • Lucy Olsen (Iowa): Played a crucial role, especially in mid-range shooting, displaying remarkable skill in holding her position while shooting.
  • Sydney Affolter and Taylor Stremlow gave Iowa a much-needed spark, breaking a cold shooting spell with timely three-pointers, revealing their potential to change the game's momentum.

Pre-Game Updates and What to Watch For

As tensions brewed ahead of the match, fans were also notified of critical updates. Notably, Kenzie Hare from Iowa State was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a persistent hip injury after exhausting all conservative treatment options. Coach Bill Fennelly expressed disappointment but optimism for Hare's future, underlining her impact on the team prior to this setback.

This injury meant that Iowa State had to lean on its other key players, particularly during this heated rivalry. Hare had been averaging 8.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game and was expected to be a major contributor for the Cyclones this season.

Broadcast and Streaming Information

Fans eager to catch all the action could tune in at 8 PM CT on Fox Sports 1 (FS1). For those unable to access the cable broadcast, streaming options were available on FuboTV and Fox Sports Live. In addition, the game could also be heard on the Hawkeye Radio Network.

Looking Ahead: Iowa's Schedule

Following this rivalry clash, Iowa faced a busy schedule:

  • Dec. 15: at Michigan State (Big Ten Game)
  • Dec. 20: vs. Northern Iowa
  • Dec. 29: vs. Purdue (Big Ten Game)

With the Hawkeyes aiming to leverage their home-court advantage, strong performances were crucial not only for winning the game against Iowa State but also for boosting morale moving forward in their season.

Final Thoughts

The Iowa versus Iowa State women's basketball game was more than just a contest; it was a testament to the fierce rivalry and competitive spirit of collegiate athletics. As both teams look to solidify their standings and bounce back from recent setbacks, this matchup illuminated their strengths, weaknesses, and the ever-evolving narrative of their basketball journeys. Stay tuned for live updates, scores, and player performance highlights as the season unfolds.

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