Last Time Out
The fighting Bill Fennelly’s Jodi Steyers are coming off a road trip to Brookings, South Dakota where they took on the Bunnies of SDSU. A close game all-throughout, but the Jackrabbits pulled away late in the 4th quarter to hand Iowa State their first loss of the season. Ashley Joens led the way statisctically, scoring 36 points and snagging 12 boards. The team, however, shot just 32% on the day. Not quite a recipe for success.
About TCU
The Lady Frogs have played 2 games on the young season, both fairly convincing wins against Incarnate Word and the Sugar Bears (all-time mascot name) of Central Arkansas. So, no early season hiccups. Iowa State is 16-8 all-time in Big 12 openers under Fennelly, but TCU leads the series coming in, 10-8.
While it is a small sample size, TCU is a middle of the road time in the Big 12 so far. Averaging 74.5 points per game ranks 5th, 45% from the field ranks 4th (although shooting an abysmal 17% from 3 point range). They’re also a solid defensive team, giving up just over 53 points a game on 39% shooting. TCU leads the conference in steals at 16.5 a game as well. so they’re you’re typical fast-pace team.
While it is hard to tell a whole lot about a team this early in the season, we know what happened last season. TCU got the best of the Lady Clones in both matchups a season ago, being the only team in the Big 12 to sweep the Twister Sisters. The Horned Frogs return senior guard Lauren Heard, who I believe is severely underrated, which brings me to my next point.
Opponent Player to Watch
Through their first two games, Lauren Heard is averaging 19.5 points (6th in Big 12), 6 assists (2nd), and 4 steals per game (3rd). She is what makes the offense work and can score just as easily as she can distribute. Her shooting percentage isn’t the best, but it is nothing to sleep on. She does, however, have some issues controlling the ball, giving it up 9 times already this year.
What Will Happen
The Cyclones have one of the best teams in recent years, but a stumble out the gates brings a little worry. I don’t think ISU loses this one, but it should be a solid game. With a lot of younger players, it is sort of expected that things don’t go 100% the way you want them to early on. Bill Fennelly has done this a time or two, so I’m sure he will get things under control. Although, Jamie Steyer is still the active head coach as Fennelly is still in quarantine. TCU is allowing fans as of right now, so they will have the “home crowd advantage”.
Don’t matta. Clones in fo’.
Iowa State - 74
TCU - 69
Pick Three
1 - Ashley Joens scores over 30 points.
2 - The team makes more than 6 threes.
3 - There will be 3 double doubles between the two teams.
Game Notes
The Matchup: Iowa State (1-1, 0-0 Big 12) @ TCU (2-0, 0-0)
Where: Fort Worth, Texas - Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena
When: Wednesday, December 2nd, 6:30 pm (CST).
Radio: Cyclone Radio Network/Learfield Talent: Noah Wolf, Chris Williams
TV: Big 12 Now on ESPN+ Talent: Ron Thulin, Mike Peterson
Live Stats: cyclonestats.com