Cyclones Can’t Overcome First Quarter Deficit, Fall to Cowgirls

Traveling to Stillwater the lady Cyclones were hoping to build off of the last two wins and try to close the gap in the Big 12 that separates them and Oklahoma State. Unfortunately the Cowgirls jumped out to an early lead that they managed to hang onto in the end despite Iowa State making a late taking 4th quarter push.

The twister sisters would have been down double digits after a strong second quarter by OSU. The Cowgirls lead had ballooned up to 20 points with less than 5 minutes to go in the second quarter. Despite that the Cyclones went on a massive 13-0 run to end the half in order to cut the lead to single digits. Aubrey Joens capped off the run by hitting a 3 as the buzzer sounded sending Iowa State to the locker room with some great momentum.

The run didn’t end with the half, ISU continued to break down the deficit they faced brining the game to within 3 points late in the 3rd quarter. A couple of missed opportunities had Iowa State headed into the final quarter only down 5 points. Going from being down twenty points to having the game within reach in just over a quarter of play goes to show how this team can battle their way back into games despite a shaky start.

After a quick start in the 4th the twister sisters had found themselves up 60-59 giving them their first lead of the game. After some battling back and forth Oklahoma State pulled the lead back into their favor thanks to free throws. After giving up the lead, 8 out of the next 10 points for the Cowgirls came from the line which ultimately sealed up the game.

The Cyclones fought hard to make this one a game after a troubling start, if ISU doesn’t let this one get away from them early there’s a huge possibility this one goes the other way. The Cowgirls got every single on their points from the starting 5. Not taking advantage of a poor performance from your opponents second unit proved to make the difference today. Turnovers also played a major factor today. Iowa State had 22 compared to Oklahoma States 15.

This is a young team that has proved they can hang around with the best teams in the Big 12. Getting some experience under their belt will be a massive bonus to this team in the coming years seeing how they have proved their ability so far, this loss stinks but isn’t the end of the world as we still sit 4th in the conference.

Iowa State returns home to face #19 West Virginia on 2/24/21.

GAME STATS

Iowa State

Oklahoma State