AMES – After earning its 30th season-opener win, the Iowa State women’s basketball team will host its second game of the season against Indiana State for the first time at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Exiting the court Monday, the Cyclones won their season opener 96-56 against Chicago State, marking Iowa State’s 30th straight season opener win. The Cyclones had an explosive start as freshman Aili Tanke joined the starting lineup for her first career game and contributed to the 29-0 first-quarter lead.

“I think she did great, as a freshman that’s huge,” guard Kelsey Joens said. “She stepped in really well, was confident and looked like she belonged.”

Iowa State led the game throughout, as the Cougars’ defense and offensive skills left many scoring opportunities. Forward Addy Brown took this factor to her advantage, as she filled her stat sheet with a team-high of 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists and one steal. 

Due to the many opportunities shooting-wise, the Cyclones contributed 38 points from in the paint and made up 30% of their score from 3-pointers. 

“Our goal going into every game is whatever it takes,” guard Kenzie Hare said. “Whose ever night it is, it’s their night, and I’m not going to worry too much about who scores. We put the ball into the basket as a team.”

Indiana State comes off its first game of the season with a 71-59 loss against Western Kentucky. 

The Sycamores looked promising at the start after a fast-paced first quarter and put up a lead of 22-17. However, Western Kentucky put up a tough battle as they snapped back and took over a 10-point lead to start the second quarter.

With a consistent back and forth, the Sycamores were left chasing but were able to keep the score level throughout the second half. However, Western Kentucky developed a seven-point lead that eventually developed into the fourth quarter, ultimately leaving Indiana State with its first loss of the season.

The team was led by guard Keslyn Secrist who put away 21 points and five rebounds. Following closely behind was guard Mia Simpson and forward Chloe Williams, who each tallied nine points.

The Sycamores are now led by a new head coach in Marc Mitchell, who spent the previous two seasons coaching the University of Indianapolis. In 2014, Mitchell led FDU-Florham to an undefeated season and secured the 2014 NCAA Division III National Championship. 

Following Mitchell are five new transfers to the team, which poses an advantage for the Cyclones, as Indiana State is still experimenting with team chemistry.

“Indiana State, I think, has one returning player that played a lot and then they have a new coach, new roles, transfers,” head coach Bill Fennelly said. “So it’s going to be hard to get information. Luckily, they did play once so at least we can put names to faces, unlike the last game.”

The Cyclones will take on Indiana State at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Hilton Coliseum. The game will be live-streamed on ESPN+.