Entering the Blue Heron Division Championship of the Coconut Hoops Tournament in Fort Meyers, FL on Sunday afternoon, junior center Audi Crooks was already scoring more than one point per minute for No. 10 Iowa State, averaging almost 25 points per game in 24.5 minutes per game.
She then took her incredible scoring proficiency and efficiency to another level.
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Crooks dropped a career-high 47 points—in just 33 minutes—in Iowa State’s 106-95 win over Indiana, sending the Hoosiers to their first loss and keeping the Cyclones undefeated at 9-0. Crooks compiled her career high on just 25 field goal attempts and 76 percent shooting. She then added nine more points at the foul line. She’s now leading Division I in scoring, with her 27.3 points per game sneaking past Hannah Hidalgo’s 27-point per game average.
Crooks’ 47 points set the new school standard for both the women’s and men’s program. It’s the second time this season she’s established a new record, as she scored 43 points—in only 19 minutes—when Iowa State defeated Valparaiso.
Crooks’ output is even more impressive considering that everyone in the arena knows the Cyclones’ best option is getting the ball inside to Audi. Yet, with her precise footwork, economical movements and feathery touch, she still not only cannot be stopped, but not even slowed.
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The misses are rare as her mastery. Crooks is not just one of the most special talents currently playing NCAA basketball, but she’s also carving out her space in the sport’s all-time pantheon.
And while the Hoosiers failed to contain Crooks, their effort should not be overlooked. Especially that of Shay Ciezki. The senior guard scored a career-high 38 points, helping Indiana not only push Iowa State to the brink but also prove that the Hoosiers will be heard from in Big Ten play.
Crooks’ next opportunity to add to her already illustrious offensive resume comes next Sunday, Dec. 7, when Iowa State host Northern Illinois. After that, Crooks will take center stage in the CyHawk rivalry game, as Iowa State welcomes No. 11 Iowa to Ames on Dec. 10.
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The Gabriela Jaquez breakout is brewing for the Bruins
If not for Crooks, Gabriela Jaquez would have stolen the spotlight from the weekend of women’s college hoops.
After leading No. 3 UCLA over Duke in the Players Era Championship consolation game, Jaquez again assumed the staring role, scoring a game-high, season-high and almost career-high 29 points as the Bruins pulled away from No. 14 Tennessee, 99-77. Jaquez was 10-for-14 from the field, including 5-for-6 from 3. Her five triples are a career best. She also chipped in three boards, three assists and a pair of steals.
The performance pushed Jaquez to the top of the Bruins’ scoring ledger, as she is now scoring a team-best 15.6 points per game. Her season-long shooting percentages are stellar, as she is hitting 57.1 percent of all her shots and 48.6 percent from 3.
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The increased production is paired with a clear confidence. On team with bigger names and supposedly superior players, Jaquez doesn’t hesitate to call her own number. More often than not, it’s the right call. And in April, might she might be the first Bruin to hear her name called in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
