By: Zach Williamson
Ames, IA. – After falling in so many close Big 12 contests this season, the Cyclones (11-8, 2-6) finally were on the right side of one Saturday evening, defeating the 22nd ranked Kansas State Wildcats (15-5, 5-3) 75-69 on a hot night shooting from the floor.
The Iowa State offense was dialed in from all over the floor, shooting 51% from the field and 47% behind the arc, while making 14 of 15 shots from the charity stripe.
Kansas State did not lay down however, and also had a very good night from the floor, shooting 48% from the field and 40% from downtown. There were 7 lead changes in this very tight matchup, but it really came down to the Cyclones dominating the glass and winning the rebound battle 31-23.
The Cyclones were led by three of the top nine scorers in the Big 12 this season, as Jadda Buckley (21 points, 3 rebounds), Seanna Johnson (13 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds) and Bridget Carleton (14 points, 5 assists, 6 rebounds) combined for 48 of the teams 75 points.
They also received very good minutes from forwards Meredith Burkhall and Heather Bowe, who combined for 16 points and took turns defending the 6’5” WNBA prospect Breanna Lewis. Lewis was held to 14 points and only 5 boards.
The Iowa State offense was successful all night, but really blew up in the fourth quarter once Johnson began to dominate the middle of the K-State 2-3 zone. This opened up many opportunities for the Cyclones offense, and was the big reason why the team scored 27 points in the final period of play. They were able to seal up the victory after going 8-8 from the free throw line in the final minute, six of which came from Buckley.
UP NEXT:
The Cyclones travel to Norman, Oklahoma to battle the 20th ranked Oklahoma Sooners Wednesday, January 25th at 7PM. The Sooners topped the Cyclones 67-57 at Hilton earlier this month. Next Saturday, Iowa State returns home to play the TCU horned frogs at 12PM; you can listen to this game on the KURE Sportscast starting at 11:30AM. – kure885.org/sports.
Michael Mainzer and Zach Williamson on the call.