Cyclone Women Edge OU, 64-63

The Cyclone women face the Sooners of Oklahoma in a Big 12 matchup that features some of the best offenses in the Big 12. Iowa State, riding a 3 game win streak, sits at 9-4 (5-1), while OU has struggled in the early going st just 4-5 (1-3). Iowa State goes with the Fueerbach-Donarski-Joens-Ryan-Scott starting lineup, as they have all season (aside from an injury), let’s get into things.

Iowa State broke out the charcoal uniforms with silver trim, OU in their crimson and cream. The Cyclones struggled in the first quarter. They struggled to make just about any shot they took, but OU couldn’t miss. After one, Sooners lead, 20-13. Twister Sisters shooting 4-14 from the field so far.

Oklahoma continues to stay red hot in the second quarter, building their lead up to 8 at one point. Taylor Robertson has 5 of the 6 made 3’s for the Sooners thus far. Ashley Joens start to take over the game, and the Whirlybirds are right back into this thing. A big 3 from Lexi Donarski gives ISU their first lead midway through the second quarter, 30-28. A running bank shot from Madi Wise preserves the lead into the half, 39-37. Ashley Joens with 21 so far for ISU, Taylor Robertson also with 21 (7-10 3 pt) for OU.

The Sooners stay hot to open quarter number 3, scoring the first 7 points out of the break. It was a back and forth quarter, but OU brings a 2 point advantage into the final stanza. Oklahoma continued to be one step ahead of the Clones, having an answer for every ISU bucket. At the media break in the 4th quarter, the Sooners lead 61-58. A 3 minute+ scoring drought for both teams late makes this a nailbiter. Taylor Robertson hits some key free throws to take a 3 point lead with 26 seconds to play. A quick 2 points from Ashley Joens has the Cyclones back within 1 now. Joens draws a charge on the ensuing inbound for Oklahoma and gets the ball right back for Iowa State with 21 ticks left. Joens on the inbound, working from the left wing, spins across the lane to give the Cyclones a 1 point lead with 10 seconds to play! The Sooners can’t get a good look at the basket as the clock strikes zero, SOMEONE PLAY JUICY WIGGLE.

Ashley Joens leads the way with 32 points and 16 rebounds, Madi Wise with 9 points and 8 rebounds on 4-4 shooting. They Cyclones stay in Ames for their matchup with an always tough Texas team, and Bill Fennelly will go for win number 700 on his career (Saturday, 5 pm, ESPNU).