AMES – The low point in the Iowa State women’s basketball season came on Jan. 18 at Oklahoma State. The Cyclones, who suffered a season-high 28-point loss in Stillwater, extended their losing streak to five straight games.
“That was, without question, the worst of the season,” said Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly.
The Cyclones have a shot at redemption. A different Iowa State squad will take the court when the 25th-ranked Cyclones (21-7 overall, 9-7 in Big 12 Conference play) host Oklahoma State (21-8, 10-6) on Feb. 25 at Hilton Coliseum at 6:30 p.m.
“That one still stings and it’s a game that you wish you could get back,” said Iowa State freshman guard Reese Beaty.
The season has been full of ups and downs for the Cyclones, who began the year by matching the best start in school history with 14 straight wins. Injuries to Addy Brown and Arianna Jackson then contributed to a five-game losing streak.
The loss to Oklahoma State was rock-bottom. Without Brown or Jackson available, the Cyclones stumbled nearly from start to finish. Oklahoma State connected on 14 3-pointes, outrebounded Iowa State 42-32 and forced 17 Cyclone turnovers. Iowa State got only 15 points from star center Audi Crooks, far below her season average.
“They made everything they looked at and if they didn’t make it, they rebounded it and kicked it out and made it the second time or third time,” Fennelly said.
More than a month later, the loss still stings. Fennelly didn’t hesitate when calling it the worst loss of the season for the Cyclones. There were other candidates. A close call with Baylor. A shocker at Cincinnati. Iowa State’s late-game collapse at TCU on Feb. 22. The Oklahoma State loss stands out.
“That would be the worst,” Fennelly said. “I think we just got overwhelmed in every sense of the word. We didn’t play well. We didn’t coach well. It was just a bad day.”
Things could get better for the Cyclones. Rebounding, perimeter defense and transition defense all must improve for Iowa State during the rematch. Perhaps the biggest advantage the Cyclones have, though, is that Brown and Jackson are both back.
Brown, an All-Big 12 performer, has appeared in two games since coming back from a lower-body injury. Jackson is an elite defender and one of Iowa State’s best 3-point shooters. Beaty, who played just eight minutes in the Oklahoma State game due to illness, has provided a big boost off the bench.
All that has led to a resurgence for Iowa State, which has won seven of its last nine games. The Cyclones nearly toppled No. 11 TCU in Fort Worth over the weekend. Iowa State led by 13 points in the fourth quarter before the Horned Frogs rallied.
While the loss still hurt, it was proof that Iowa State is a better team than it was the last time it played Oklahoma State.
“I think we’re in a good spot,” Fennelly said.
Here are three things to follow in the game:
What’s next for Brown?
The Cyclones have had Brown on a minutes restriction since coming back from her injury. She played just under 20 minutes in her first game back against Arizona State. Brown then played 25 minutes in the loss at TCU. Fennelly said she’s felt well after both games. So Brown could see even more minutes against Oklahoma State.
“If we could, this week, kind of inch that thing into the 25- to 30 (minute) range, that would be the ultimate goal probably for her,” Fennelly said.
Sydney Harris gets one more shot to shine at Hilton Coliseum
The final regular-season home contest marks the last game at Hilton Coliseum for lone Iowa State senior Sydney Harris. The 6-foot-1 guard/forward has played a prominent role for Iowa State since transferring from TCU before her junior season. Harris has been in and out of the starting lineup and is averaging 6.8 points per game, giving Iowa State a potent 3-point option this season.
Rebounding has to get better
One of the biggest problems for Iowa State this season has been rebounding. The Cyclones have struggled for most of the season, and the loss to Oklahoma State and the recent setback at TCU were no different.
TCU grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and scored 14 second-chance points.
“I don’t care if we’re playing Oklahoma State or … my grandsons’ AAU team,” Fennelly said. “We’ve got to get better.”
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why Iowa State women feel better about rematch with Oklahoma State
Reporting by Tommy Birch, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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