AMES – Iowa State takes on Utah in its third Big 12 matchup at 5:30 p.m. Sunday in Ames. The Utes have won both Big 12 games to start conference play and will be a tough matchup for the Cyclones.
The Cyclones improved to 10-5 after a convincing win over Kansas, bringing them to 1-1 in Big 12 games. Sophomore center Audi Crooks scored 33 points on 13-for-18 shooting, while sophomore forward Addy Brown collected her fifth double-double of the season.
Utah has a high-powered offense that puts up the 22nd most points per game in the nation, while the Cyclone defense is right around the middle of the nation in points allowed per game.
“Slowing down that offense, that’s going to be hard,” Iowa State head coach Bill Fennelly said. “I think the thing with them is they’re as analytically driven as any team we play. It’s threes and twos, they really believe in that system.”
Junior guard Gianna Kneepkens will be the main focus for the Cyclones to shut down. Kneepkens averages 18 points per game and shoots 44% from downtown. The Utes have plenty of scoring threats, however, as six players score nine or more points.
“Everyone needs to be ready to go. There are lots of movements,” sophomore guard Arianna Jackson said. “I think our coaches called it a little bit of Drake on steroids. So lots of movement, lots of transition, so just be ready to go.”
The Utes have an impressive resume with them sitting right outside the top 25, including a win over then-No. 3 Notre Dame. Kneepkens scored 16 in the game as they took down the Fighting Irish 78-67.
“They’ve already beaten Notre Dame and, you know, they’re off to a really good start in the league,” Fennelly said. “So tremendous challenge for our kids.”
Iowa State played what might have been its most complete game against the Jayhawks, with Crooks scoring 33, fifth-year senior guard Emily Ryan putting up 19 and Brown adding 10 points and 11 rebounds.
“It’s hard to kind of bounce back from a loss, but I think we did that really well,” freshman guard Reagan Wilson said. “After this win, it will just keep us rolling the next game.”
A common theme with a lot of the Cyclones’ wins has been a big game from Crooks. Although finding offense outside of her is important, she is consistently a point of emphasis for the Cyclone offense and the opponent’s defense.
“It’s, you know, trying to figure out what they’re going to do,” Fennelly said. “I think the thing that we’ve really come to the conclusion on over time is you’re going to see a little bit of everything.”
Crooks has taken a lot of double teams this season, which opens it up for shooters on the perimeter or players cutting to the basket.
“It’s important for us to find a way to get her the ball, so just scouting, see how they play behind her, and then also how we can work off that,” Wilson said. “If they’re doubling the post, the shooters open, and if they’re not, you know, it’s her day to cook.”
Fennelly believes Utah may have the size to play Crooks one-on-one more often than most teams, utilizing Utes forward Mayè Tourè’s size and athleticism. Tourè stands at 6-feet 3-inches and averages a block per game.
“I think the two things that always will give [Crooks] trouble or any post-player trouble is great size. Obviously, that gives everyone trouble,” Fennelly said. “Someone that might have some athleticism and length. You know, we had trouble with that. Hannah Stuelke did a good job on her.”
Iowa State will look to continue getting Crooks good looks at the basket, but will continue to look for scoring elsewhere as it takes on Utah at home at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The game will be televised on ESPN 2.
