Audi Crooks shines for Iowa State in decisive victory against Iowa

Ames, Iowa – Cyclones Edge Past Hawkeyes

Audi Crooks scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Addie Brown contributed 20 points and 12 boards as No. 10 Iowa State narrowly defeated No. 11 Iowa 74-69 on Wednesday night.

The Cyclones (11-0) were leading by 17 points late in the third quarter. However, Iowa surged back with a 26-12 run, bringing the game within three points in the final minutes.

With just 16 seconds remaining, Iowa had a shot to tie, but Mackenzie Hare blocked Taylor McCabe’s three-pointer. Crooks then sank a free throw, pushing the score to 73-69, marking his fourth game this season with 30 points.

“I think we feel officially battle-tested now,” Crooks mentioned, addressing comments about their schedule. “People might have had their doubts, but now, I think you can’t call us one-dimensional when there are three of us with double-doubles. Our schedule is whatever—it’s about how we handle ourselves.”

He added, “Honestly, we try not to dwell on the noise or what’s being said online. What matters is the atmosphere in the locker room and our practice. It’s about maturity; it’s easy to get sidetracked by social media.”

On the other side, Chazadi “Chit Chat” Wright scored 21 points for the Hawkeyes (9-1) and hit four threes. McCabe contributed 11 points, while teammates Kylie Feuerbach and Hannah Stuelke each added 10 points.

Iowa struggled to contain Crooks, who excelled once he received entry passes. Jada Williams played a crucial role, notching career highs with 12 assists, 11 points, and five rebounds.

Crooks has now scored in double figures for 78 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the nation.

Iowa’s Eva Heiden, who averages a team-high 16.1 points, was tasked with defending Crooks but faced foul trouble, playing only 16 minutes. She managed to score twice, closing the gap for Iowa before she fouled out. After Feuerbach hit two free throws, the score stood at 65-62 with four minutes on the clock.