AMES – With less than eight minutes remaining in the first quarter of the Iowa State women’s basketball team’s Feb. 18 game against Arizona State, Cyclones star Addy Brown collected an inbounds pass from teammate Jada Williams near the free-throw line. Brown, who hadn’t taken a shot yet, quickly launched an attempt that swished through the net.
The bucket was the first of what the Cyclones hope will be many more in Brown’s return. The junior forward made an instant impact in her first back in more than six weeks, helping the Cyclones pick up a 90-64 win over Arizona State at Hilton Coliseum. Iowa State improved to 21-6 on the season including 9-6 in Big 12 Conference play.
“Welcome back, Addy Brown,” Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly said following the game.
The highlight of the night was the return of Brown. The versatile Iowa State star scored six points, grabbed seven rebounds and handed out six assists in her first game since Jan. 4. Brown had missed Iowa State’s last 11 games and had been ruled out indefinitely with what the school called a lower-body injury.
The uncertainty led many to wonder if Brown would be back. Without her, Iowa State struggled mightily for a while, losing its first four games without her. The Cyclones eventually got back on track, winning five straight games. Still, Iowa State sorely missed Brown, a strong shooter, rebounder, defender and passer.
She showed off her versatility in Wednesday’s win. Brown, who was in the starting lineup, was welcomed back with a huge ovation, getting a big round of applause when she was first introduced and again midway through the fourth quarter when she checked out of the game for the final time.
“It felt great,” Brown said. “I was just happy to be back out there with my teammates and playing the game I love.”
Here are five numbers that stood out in Iowa State’s victory over Arizona State.
54 … as in 54 total points between Audi Crooks and Jada Williams
Audi Crooks and Jada Williams provided much of the scoring during the second half of Iowa State’s win over Kansas State on Feb. 15. They carried the Cyclones for most of Wednesday night’s win over Arizona State. Crooks and Williams scored 60% of Iowa State points and did it efficiently. Crooks tallied 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting from the field. Williams had 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting including 4-of-7 from 3-point range. No other Iowa State player reached double digits in scoring.
“That was the issue tonight was those two,” said Arizona State coach Molly Miller.
7 … as in 7 fouls for Iowa State through the first three quarters
The Cyclones were incredibly disciplined and whistled for just seven fouls in the first three quarters (then 11 in the fourth quarter). Iowa State set the tone early on. The Cyclones were called for only two in the first half as Arizona State had just two free throws. The physicality picked up for both teams in the fourth quarter, but by then Iowa State was well on its way to the win.
19:37 … as in 19 minutes 37 seconds for Addy Brown
All eyes were on Brown and rightfully so. Because Brown does so many things well, she rarely leaves the court. She entered Wednesday’s game averaging 31.9 minutes per game during her first three collegiate seasons. Since Brown hadn’t played in a game since Jan. 4, the Cyclones eased her back in with 19 minutes. Brown played 11 in the first half while helping Iowa State to a 42-32 lead. She finished the night shooting 2-for-5 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Brown also blocked a shot.
“The plan was 20 minutes, max,” Fennelly said.
4:55 … as in Arizona State went without a field goal for 4 minutes 55 seconds to end the third quarter
Arizona State cut Iowa State’s lead to seven midway through the third quarter with a layup by Marley Washenitz. But that’s as close as the Sun Devils got. Arizona State didn’t tally a field goal for the remainder of the third quarter and went the final 4:55 without a basket. The only points for Arizona State after that layup came on a pair of made free throws. Arizona State missed its final six shots of the quarter, including nine of its last 10. Iowa State, meanwhile, rolled with a 19-2 run to take a commanding 69-45 lead.
93 … as in 93 straight games Audi Crooks has scored in double figures
Perhaps no one will benefit more from the return of Brown than Crooks. Brown has typically been one of the best ball distributors to Crooks in the post. Without her, the Cyclones have struggled to find ways to get the ball to their superstar center. With Brown back, that shouldn’t be an issue. Crooks shined again, scoring 28 points Wednesday to extend her streak to 93 straight games of scoring in double figures. It’s the longest active streak in the nation. Crooks had no trouble reaching it, scoring 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting the first half alone. She also had 12 rebounds.
Tommy Birch, the Register’s sports enterprise and features reporter, has been working at the newspaper since 2008. He’s the 2018, 2020, 2023 and 2025 Iowa Sportswriter of the Year. Reach him at tbirch@dmreg.com or 515-284-8468.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Addy Brown makes return in Iowa State women’s win over Arizona State
Reporting by Tommy Birch, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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