Audi Crooks is on an absolute tear, and Kansas just found out the hard way what it looks like when she’s locked in. The Iowa State center dropped a career-high 41 points on Sunday in a performance that felt less like a college game and more like a showcase. She made it look effortless - and that’s saying something when you’re dominating a Big 12 opponent in the paint.
That 41-point outburst pushes her to 148 points over her last four games. Let that sink in.
That’s nearly 37 points per game over a stretch that’s been nothing short of dominant. She’s not just leading the Big 12 in scoring right now - she’s separating herself from the pack in a way that demands national attention.
From the opening tip, Crooks was locked in. Iowa State made it a point to get her touches early, and once she found her rhythm, there was no slowing her down.
Kansas tried everything - fronting her in the post, bringing late doubles, collapsing the defense - but none of it worked. She powered through contact, finished with finesse, and showed the kind of patience and poise that you don’t always see from a young post player.
This wasn’t just brute strength. Crooks has a soft touch around the rim and a strong feel for when to attack and when to move the ball.
She doesn’t over-dribble or force the issue. When the opportunity is there, she takes it.
When it’s not, she keeps the offense flowing. That kind of decision-making is what makes her such a tough cover.
On Sunday, it was clear: this was her game, and everyone else was just trying to keep up.
We’ve seen flashes of this from Crooks before, but what she’s doing right now is different. This isn’t a hot streak - it’s a takeover.
She’s not padding stats in blowouts or piling on points in garbage time. She’s setting the tone early, anchoring the offense, and dictating how defenses have to play Iowa State.
That’s a game-changer in the Big 12, where post dominance can still tilt the balance of power.
With Crooks at the center of it all - literally and figuratively - the Cyclones are starting to find their identity. She’s the focal point, and everything else flows from her presence inside.
Opposing defenses are collapsing to try and contain her, which is opening up clean looks for Iowa State’s shooters. It’s simple basketball, but it works when the centerpiece is this effective.
And here’s the thing: teams know exactly what’s coming. They know Crooks is going to get post touches.
They know she’s going to go to work inside. And still, they can’t stop it.
That’s the mark of a player operating at the top of her game.
If she keeps this up - and right now, there’s no reason to think she won’t - Iowa State is going to be a problem in the Big 12. And if you’re not already paying attention to Audi Crooks, it’s time to start. Because performances like this don’t just win games - they shift the conversation.