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Michael Voepel
AMES, Iowa — Iowa State center Audi Crooks, the top scorer in Division I women’s basketball, had another stellar performance on Wednesday night as the No. 10 Cyclones maintained their unbeaten record by defeating in-state rival Iowa 74-69 at Hilton Coliseum.
Crooks recorded 30 points and 10 rebounds, and is currently averaging 27.8 PPG while shooting 72.2% from the field, which ranks second in Division 1.
However, her focus was primarily on what this victory indicated about her team, which achieved its initial win against a ranked opponent while handing the No. 11 Hawkeyes (9-1) their first defeat. Crooks’ teammates Addy Brown (20 points, 12 rebounds) and Jada Williams (11 points, 12 assists) also recorded double-doubles.
«I feel like we’re officially battle-tested now,» Crooks remarked. «You know, people were saying things about our schedule and now there’s not much else to discuss. When you have three players with double-doubles, you can’t label us as a one-trick pony. You can’t claim our schedule is weak.
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«But, honestly, we’re not bothered by the chatter and what everyone online has to say. We focus on the mindset within our locker room [and] what we cultivate in practice. I believe that comes with growing up. It’s very easy to get drawn into social media and public perception … this team, we’re all a bit older and more discerning.»
That said, coach Bill Fennelly acknowledged that the Cyclones (11-0) certainly recognized that their strength of schedule — which was ranked 308 prior to Wednesday — was under scrutiny. Last season, Iowa State faced nonconference losses to UConn and South Carolina — both of whom reached the national championship — along with Iowa and Northern Iowa.
Fennelly expressed the belief that those losses significantly impacted the Cyclones’ public image. This season, their schedule hasn’t been nearly as challenging.
This is part of the reason why Wednesday’s win was so significant: It marked Iowa State’s inaugural statement victory of 2025-26.
«[They] were a bit more hyped up today than usual,» Fennelly noted. «Some of our players have encountered some unflattering remarks, and they’re not pleased about it.»
The other key aspect was that the victory took place during the Cy-Hawk series, which encompasses various sports at both institutions. The No. 4, unbeaten Iowa State men’s basketball team, coming off a surprising win at former No. 1 Purdue on Saturday, will host Iowa in Ames on Thursday.
«I mean, it’s not coincidental that I have already received 203 text messages,» Fennelly remarked regarding defeating Iowa, adding that after Sunday’s 105-52 win over Northern Illinois, «I received one from my wife saying, ‘Bring something home for dinner.'»
«[They] were a bit more hyped up today than usual. Some of our players have encountered some unflattering remarks, and they’re not pleased about it.»
Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly
The Iowa women had dominated this matchup for the past decade, with an 8-2 record. This included a 67-58 victory two years ago in Ames when then-senior Caitlin Clark propelled the Hawkeyes with 35 points and surpassed the 3,000-point mark, becoming the all-time Division I career scoring leader.
Fennelly noted after that December 2023 game that players like Crooks and Brown, who were freshmen at that time, would benefit from the experience.
After losing at Iowa 75-69 last season, Crooks and Brown were instrumental in securing victory in front of 14,009 fans at home on Wednesday.
«It was a fantastic showcase for two outstanding programs in our state,» Fennelly stated. «I’m genuinely proud of our team. It’s a victory that we hope to build upon.»
