AMES, Iowa – Iowa State (13-8, 5-5 Big 12) stopped its losing skid with a 74-63 win over Oklahoma State (12-10, 3-7 Big 12) Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones put up a strong defensive effort, holding OSU to 23-of-69 shooting, including 2-of-14 from 3-point range, numbers which helped compensate for a 21-turnover evening by the home team.
In victory, Ashley Joens guided the way with her 11th double-double of the season with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Kristin Scott got her third double-double of the year with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw also finished with 18 points.
How It Happened
Both teams were hampered by poor starts. Iowa State could not keep hold of the ball, committing four turnovers in the first six minutes, while the Cowgirls were only 3-of-12 in the first six. The Cyclones were the first to break out of the funk, with Morgan Kanes lay-in capping a 5-0 run to make it 13-7 ISU. OSU continued to struggle from the field, going 4-of-20 in the first period to help the home team to a 17-11 lead after one.
Scotts lay-in on the opening possession opened the Cyclone lead to eight. OSU was able to bring the Iowa State lead to four at 19-15, but 3-pointers from Espenmiller-McGraw and Joens opened the advantage to double figures at 30-20. Oklahoma State began to encounter foul trouble, with Jamee Asberry and Abbie Winchester both picking up third fouls to send them to the bench. Iowa State continued its strong work, and were able to carry an 11-point lead into half, 41-30.
The Cowgirls got the first six points of the third quarter to get back within five, 41-36, but ISU was able to settle things down and get the lead back to double figures on a Joens 3-pointer. Both teams continued to battle it out, with OSU cutting it back to seven at 52-45, but Espenmiller-McGraw got the last laugh as her corner 3-pointer in the final seconds restored the Cyclones double figures lead to 56-45 with 10 to go.
Scott hit a 3-pointer from the right wing to make it 61-48 ISU, but Oklahoma State stepped up its defense and was able to cut the ISU advantage to six at 63-57. Espenmiller-McGraw hit a much needed 3-pointer to extend the lead back to nine, which this time was enough. Despite a difficult 17-of-27 night at the line, ISU was able to bring the win in, with Espenmiller-McGraw scoring eight in the final period.
Players of Note
Ashley Joens came into Wednesday nights contest on her longest run of the season without a double-double at three games. She rectified that to lead Iowa State with 23 points and 14 rebounds, her 11th double-double of the season.
Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw came up big for Iowa State across the evening. The freshman notched her fourth-straight game in double figures with 18 points and also dished out seven assists, her most in Big 12 play.
Kristin Scott continued her good run of form in Big 12 play, as she had her 10th game out of 11 in double figures, finishing with 18 points. She also had her third double-double of the season, recording 13 rebounds.
Up Next
Iowa State is back at Hilton Coliseum on Saturday when the Cyclones take on Oklahoma. Tip between ISU and OU will be at 2 p.m.
