Iowa State's Unfinished Business: Why This Season Feels Different

Ames has always been a tough place to play, especially for visitors to Hilton Coliseum. But this year, something’s shifted with the Iowa State women’s basketball team. Last season, the Cyclones finished 21-12, a respectable record that included a trip to the NCAA Tournament. They got bounced in the first round by Maryland, 92-61, a pretty brutal end to what was an otherwise solid campaign. It left a taste, a sour one, and you could tell even then that the returning players weren't going to forget it.

This isn't about just making the tournament anymore. This is about making some noise once they get there. The big question, of course, revolved around replacing Ashley Joens, the program's all-time leading scorer with 3,060 points. That's not a small ask. Joens carried a huge load, averaging 21.6 points and 9.7 rebounds in her final season. Everyone wondered how they'd fill that void. Turns out, they're doing it by committee, and then some.

The emergence of Audi Crooks has been nothing short of spectacular. The freshman center from Algona, Iowa, has absolutely dominated the paint. She’s averaging 18.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, shooting an incredible 68.6% from the field through 29 games. Crooks dropped 25 points and 10 boards against Oklahoma on February 26th, showcasing her ability to take over against top-tier Big 12 opponents. And she’s not alone. Emily Ryan, the senior point guard, is the engine that makes this whole thing run. Ryan leads the team with 6.8 assists per game and has a ridiculous 3.5 assist-to-turnover ratio, one of the best in the nation. She’s the steady hand, the one who calms everything down when things get frantic.

**Hilton's Home-Court Advantage Still Reigns Supreme**

Iowa State's success at home has been a constant. They finished the 2023-24 regular season with a 13-3 record inside Hilton, including big wins over Kansas State (76-64 on January 24th) and Oklahoma (85-68). That’s not just about fan support; it’s about a culture. Coach Bill Fennelly, in his 29th season, has built a program that understands how to win in its own building. Opponents consistently talk about the atmosphere, the noise, the sheer difficulty of executing plays when 14,000 Cyclones are screaming at every possession.

But here’s the thing: Road wins still feel like gold. This year, Iowa State picked up some crucial ones, like beating Oklahoma State 74-68 in Stillwater on February 10th. Those are the kinds of victories that build confidence and steel a team for the rigors of March. Freshman guard Addy Brown has also been a revelation, contributing 7.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest. She’s hit some big shots, showing a composure beyond her years. The balanced scoring attack, with four players averaging double figures and six players averaging over seven points, makes them a tough scout. You can’t just key in on one or two players.

My hot take? This Iowa State team is flying under the radar as a legitimate Sweet Sixteen contender. Everyone’s focused on South Carolina, LSU, and the usual suspects. But the Cyclones have a potent inside-out game, elite guard play from Ryan, and the kind of freshman phenom in Crooks who can absolutely wreck a bracket. They're built for tournament play.

The Big 12 Tournament will be a real test, a proving ground. They finished tied for second in the regular season standings with a 12-6 conference record, a solid showing in a brutal league. If they can make a deep run there, it'll only fuel their fire. Expect them to be playing with a chip on their shoulder, remembering that Maryland game from last March.

This isn't just another solid Iowa State season. This one feels different. They've got the talent, the coaching, and most importantly, the hunger. I'm calling it now: Iowa State makes it to the Sweet Sixteen.