AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State womens basketball team (12-6, 4-3 Big 12) led the whole way on Saturday, taking an 89-67 win over the Kansas Jayhawks (12-6, 1-6 Big 12), highlighted by a career day from Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw.
How it Happened
The Cyclone defense was locked in from the start, holding the Jayhawks scoreless for the first five minutes of the game. During that stretch, the Cyclones took an early 8-0 advantage. The lead continued to grow for the Cyclones as they ended the first quarter with an 18-6 edge, scoring 10 points off of nine Jayhawk turnovers.
In the second stanza, Iowa State found its groove from behind the arc after shooting at a 1-for-7 clip in the first quarter. The Cyclones shot a perfect 5-for-5 in the second quarter of play, pulling away as far as 20 points. Iowa State ended the first half with a 47-29 lead. Jade Thurmon led the Cyclones with 10 points at the break, tying her career-high in just 10 minutes on the court in the half.
The Cyclones continued their three-point success by opening the second half at a 5-for-6 pace, pushing the lead to 27 after back-to-back threes by Adriana Camber and Rae Johnson. Iowa States lead topped out at 31 to end the third quarter.
Kansas started the final quarter on a quick 8-0 run, but Espenmiller-McGraw ended the effort with her fifth triple of the game. Iowa State pulled many of its starters late in the fourth quarter, eventually ending the game at 89-67. Espenmiller-McGraw finished her day with 20 points, shooting 6-for-8 from deep.
Players of Note
Maggie Espenmiller-Mcgraw led the Cyclones in scoring for the first time in her career, scoring 20 points by cashing in a career-high six three-pointers in the win. She is the first Cyclone this season with five or more triples in a game.
Kristin Scott had a solid day, going 7-for-11 from the field with 19 points.
Jade Thurmon ended the game matching her career-highs in points (10) and assists (4).
Adriana Camber shot a perfect 4-for-4 from behind the arc.
Next Up
Iowa State heads to Waco for a road contest with No. 2 Baylor on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
