Iowa State vs. Iowa: A Thrilling Matchup

This week featured a highly anticipated clash in women’s basketball between Iowa State and Iowa at Iowa State’s arena. Known as the Cyhawk Series, this matchup saw No. 10 Iowa State face off against No. 11 Iowa State, marking one of the most significant games in recent years.

Entering the game with pristine records, both teams were fighting not just for victory, but also to remain unbeaten and disrupt their rival’s streak. Additionally, a win would likely secure a top-10 ranking for the following week. It was, without a doubt, the toughest contest for both teams this season.

The game was exhilarating, with Iowa State leading for much of the time. However, Iowa State kept the pressure on throughout. With the halftime score tied, Iowa State surged ahead in the third quarter, but the game shifted dramatically in the closing moments. Ultimately, Iowa State triumphed over the Hawkeyes with a score of 75-69, improving their season record to 10-0.

Audi Crooks has been a pivotal player for Iowa State this season. The junior is averaging an impressive 27.8 points per game over the first ten games, which puts her at the top of the national scoring leaderboard. Remarkably, she has accomplished this in just 25.7 minutes of play per game.

In the victory against Iowa, Crooks dominated with 30 points and ten rebounds, marking her third consecutive game exceeding 30 points. She has even managed two games where she scored 40 or more points—47 against Indiana and 43 versus Valparaiso. Interestingly, she shares a statistic with Talia Scott from Baylor University, highlighting her significant impact on the court.

Normally, conversations about Player of the Year don’t heat up until later in the season, but it’s hard to ignore Crooks’ presence on the shortlist. Iowa State benefits significantly from her abilities, and she has worked on multiple aspects of her game, evolving into a more versatile player over her time at the university. While she is already known for her strength and finishing skills around the basket, expanding her game could be critical for her aspirations in the WNBA draft.

One significant development in her game has been her improved shooting range, allowing her to impact the game beyond the paint. With her height and physicality, she’s a tough matchup for opponents, and her ability to hit shots from further away has made her even more formidable. Notably, she executed an impressive fadeaway jumper along the baseline during the game against Iowa that drew attention.

As a junior with still another year to improve, Crooks is emerging at a crucial time. Iowa State seems poised to make a mark in the Big 12 Conference, and there’s potential for an upset come March against teams that might underestimate her offensive capabilities.

When considering candidates for Athlete of the Year, Crooks certainly distinguishes herself from others like Sarah Strong, Aji Fuad, and Lauren Betts. She has outscored them in less time, and her team remains undefeated. Don’t overlook Audi Crooks—she’s definitely one to watch.