STILLWATER, Oklahoma – Iowa State (10-6, 2-3 Big 12) rallied from a 14-point deficit to take down Oklahoma State (11-6, 2-3 Big 12) 64-63 Sunday afternoon at Gallagher-Iba Area. Ines Nezerwas lay-in with 1:21 to go proved to be the final bucket of the contest, as ISU was able to come up with stops on the Cowgirls final three possessions.
Iowa State was led by a pair of 17-point performances from Ashley Joens and Kristin Scott. Joens added her ninth double-double of the season with 10 rebounds. Nezerwa finished with 11, while Jade Thurmon finished with a career-high 10 points.
How It Happened
ISU had a strong start in the first three minutes, as they ran out to a 7-0 advantage, but the Cowgirls were able to wipe the advantage out within the next minute to even up proceedings. After a nearly three minute stalemate, it was the home squad who was able to push ahead using five-straight to make it 12-7. Ashley Joens hit a 3-pointer in the final minute to cut the OSU lead to three, 16-13, at the end of the period.
While the Cyclones held tough, the search for scoring options proved difficult. It was not until 5:18 left in the second when someone other than Joens and Scott scored, with Ines Nezerwa converting an old-fashioned 3-point play to get back within six. With Scott having to be subbed out with two fouls, OSU pressed on, keeping ISU off the board for 3:37 and building up a 34-20 advantage. ISU rallied with five-straight in the final minute to cut the halftime deficit to single digits.
Jade Thurmon used her speed to get back-to-back lay-ins to guide a 6-0 run that got the visitors back within three at 34-31. However, Oklahoma State was able to find its footing again, going on a 9-0 run which restored its double-figure lead at 43-31. Iowa State stormed back to close the quarter, with Joens leading the charged with seven points during a 17-4 run, capped by a lay-in with two seconds to go to put ISU ahead 48-47.
The Cyclone offense evaporated to start the fourth, as ISU started 0-for-4 with a pair of turnovers while OSU went on an 8-0 run to get ahead 55-48. The visitors were not done as they worked their way back into it and got back ahead 64-63 with 1:21 to go on a Nezerwa lay-in. Both teams traded empty possessions to give OSU another chance, but Jamee Asberry missed a 3-pointer with 17 seconds to play. There would be a final twist, as a five-second call on the ISU in-bounds gave it back to the Cowgirls. The ball ended up with Asberry again, but her 3-pointer at the buzzer came up short to give ISU the win.
Players of Note
Ashley Joens battled like she always does to help get the Cyclones the victory. The sophomore notched her ninth double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Kristin Scott did not have a repeat of her 31-point outburst in Stillwater last season, but did come through with big buckets throughout the game. She finished with 17 points, her sixth-straight outing in double figures.
Jade Thurmon was in the starting lineup for the first time since November, with her athleticism proving to be a problem for OSU. The senior recorded a career-high 10 points, while also grabbing five rebounds.
Up Next
Iowa State returns to Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday when the Cyclones host Kansas State. Tip between ISU and K-State will be at 6:30 p.m. in Ames
