The Iowa State women’s basketball team didn’t just pick up a statement win on Wednesday night - they made history, several times over.
In a commanding 84-70 road victory over No. 21 Texas Tech, the Cyclones hit four major milestones that underscore just how far this team has come - and just how dangerous they could be down the stretch.
Let’s start with the one milestone that head coach Bill Fennelly would rather deflect. With the win, Fennelly became the Big 12’s all-time winningest coach, notching his 297th conference victory and passing LSU’s Kim Mulkey for the top spot. But true to form, Fennelly wasn’t interested in a victory lap.
“I should never be in the same discussion with Kim Mulkey,” he said earlier this week. “The only reason I passed her for anything is I’ve coached in the Big 12 a lot longer than her. That record is a longevity record.”
Longevity or not, Fennelly’s place in Big 12 history is cemented. But if you ask him, the real story lies with his players - and on Wednesday night, they gave him plenty to brag about.
Audi Crooks Hits 2,000 - and Then Some
Junior center Audi Crooks didn’t just reach the 2,000-point milestone - she bulldozed through it. The 6-foot-3 force from Algona dropped 33 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in a dominant performance that had shades of vintage Cyclone greats like Angie Welle and Ashley Joens.
“She made it look easy,” Fennelly said. “Start to finish, offense to defense - this might’ve been the best game she’s played since she got here.”
Crooks was efficient and relentless, going a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line and controlling the paint on both ends. After a stretch of quieter games, she said she felt like herself again.
“All I’ve got to say is, ‘I’m back,’” Crooks said, after posting her first 30-point game since New Year’s Eve.
Jada Williams Joins the 1,000-Point Club
Point guard Jada Williams added her own chapter to the milestone night, surpassing 1,000 career points with a gritty 15-point, nine-assist outing. Her shooting numbers weren’t pretty (6-for-19), but her decision-making was sharp - just one turnover against Texas Tech’s aggressive defense.
“It’s an honor that she did it with us,” Fennelly said of the Arizona transfer. “She’s part of the Iowa State family now, and what she’s brought to our team and our university is really special.”
Williams has quickly become a steadying presence for this team - a floor general who brings toughness, poise, and playmaking to the table every night.
Sydney Harris Finds Her Moment
Senior Sydney Harris had a breakout game of her own, recording the first double-double of her career with 13 points and 12 rebounds - and she did almost all of that damage in the second half.
With Texas Tech threatening to climb back into the game, Harris delivered. She knocked down two clutch 3-pointers in the third quarter, then capped the frame with a tough bank shot at the buzzer to restore a double-digit lead heading into the fourth.
“Coming off the bench is the perfect fit for her,” Fennelly said. “I think she probably had more rebounds today than she did in the whole Big 12. That says a lot about her and her willingness to contribute.”
Harris’ energy and timely buckets were a major spark for a Cyclones squad that looked locked in from tip to buzzer.
A Complete Team Win
While the individual milestones were impressive, it was the collective effort that stood out most. Iowa State dominated the paint, outscoring Texas Tech 40-14 inside and winning the rebounding battle by 11. Eight of the nine Cyclones who saw the floor scored at least three points, and the team logged its second win over a ranked opponent this season.
“It was probably, maybe going back to the Iowa game, the best we’ve played with everyone contributing,” Fennelly said. “Everyone did something, and they seemed to do something right when we needed it.”
That kind of depth and balance is what makes this team intriguing as the season enters its final stretch. With three straight wins under their belt and a home game against UCF on deck, the Cyclones are building momentum - and belief.
“You beat a top-20 team on the road, in this environment, against that style - that says a lot,” Fennelly said.
Indeed, it does. And if Wednesday night is any indication, Iowa State might just be hitting its stride at the perfect time.