Iowa State Women dominate Lady Raiders

After losing a 4-game win streak, nothing feels better than getting back in the win column. Iowa State traveled to Lubbock, Texas, in hopes of doing so. It wouldn’t be the easiest of tasks for the Cyclones, as Texas Tech came into the game holding the same 6-4 record as them, as well as holding a formidable 6-2 record on their home court. How does one beat a team that’s good at defending their home court? Probably by setting the school record of 19 3-pointers made (on 40 attempts.) That should surely be enough, right?

Of course it was. Iowa State came right out of the gate, hitting their first 4 attempts from deep and taking a 12-2 lead just 3:04 into the game. It was all smooth sailing from there for the Cyclones, as Lexi Donarsky tallied a game-high (tied for a career/season-high) 25 points in a 99-72 win.

A big reason for the Cyclones’ success (other than draining 19 triples) was their ball movement. They tallied 23 assists on 34 made baskets (compared to the Raiders’ 11 on 24 made baskets) and their rebounding, in which they outgained Tech 43-33. With the shooting, passing, and rebounding advantages, Iowa State was able to overcome their distinct disadvantage in a very particular spot: Fouls/Free Throws.

Texas Tech went 19-25 from the charity stripe, coming off 21 Cyclone fouls(Ryan and Donarski with 3, Ashley Joens with 4.) Iowa State, on the other hand, was only able to attempt 14 free throws (though they did make 12 of them) over the course of the game and didn’t really get anyone from TTU in foul trouble (Khadija Faye did have 4.)

The Cyclones have been very on and off from deep so far this season. When they’re on, no one can make them miss. But when they’re off, no one can make a thing, and their opponents are able to take advantage of it. Something to watch out for as Iowa State hits the meat of their Big 12 Conference Schedule.

Iowa State next hosts Oklahoma State on January 13

Game Stats

Iowa State

Texas Tech