With a commanding victory over Arizona State on Wednesday, Iowa State showcased the form that once made them Big 12 contenders. The return of Addy Brown was a significant boost, and while some may still be on the fence about their resurgence, Sunday's matchup against TCU could be a game-changer.
Addy Brown's Impactful Return
Addy Brown made her presence felt in just 20 minutes of play, delivering a well-rounded 6/7/6 stat line. After missing eleven games, her gradual reintegration into the lineup was understandable, especially with Iowa State maintaining a comfortable lead.
Audi Crooks and Jada Williams were pivotal, scoring 28 and 26 points respectively, fueling the Cyclones' top-ranked offense in Big 12 play. Their impressive 50% shooting from beyond the arc, led by Williams' 4-7 performance, was a key factor in their success.
The victory was a statement, especially against an Arizona State team fighting for an NCAA tournament spot. A 27-13 third quarter surge propelled Iowa State to a 26-point win, their largest margin in conference play this season. As they hit their stride, the timing couldn't be better.
The TCU Challenge
Facing TCU on the road presents Iowa State with their toughest test yet. TCU sits atop the Big 12 standings and boasts the best defense in the conference, allowing just 59.3 points per game.
Their defensive prowess is matched by a strong offense, ranking fifth in scoring and second in shooting percentage. Despite their formidable record, TCU has shown vulnerability with three conference losses, all on the road.
Olivia Miles is a standout for the Horned Frogs, averaging 20.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. Her ability to dominate a game was evident in her 40-point performance against Baylor.
Meanwhile, Audi Crooks faces a significant challenge in Mara Suarez, a seasoned player from Spain. Their battle in the paint will be crucial, providing both players a chance to test themselves against top-tier competition before the NCAA tournament.
Despite ESPN favoring TCU with a 78% chance of winning, Iowa State has a viable path to victory. Here's how they can pull off the upset:
- Hit the 74-Point Mark: Iowa State has an intriguing trend-scoring 74 points or more typically leads to victory. While not a definitive metric, it's a fun benchmark to aim for.
- Win the Paint Battle: Audi Crooks needs to outplay Mara Suarez. Success in the post will open up opportunities for Iowa State's guards, who are among the best three-point shooters in the country.
- Slow Down Transition Offense: Even in their win over Arizona State, Iowa State showed some vulnerability to fast breaks. Tightening up defensively after rebounds will be key to preventing easy scores and ensuring better matchups.
With these strategies, Iowa State could not only secure a win but also reestablish themselves as serious contenders in the Big 12 tournament conversation.