Cyclones Win Big 12 Opener, 61-50

AMES, Iowa ? The Iowa State women's basketball team hit 13 free throws over the last minute and a half and knocked down 33 for the contest as the Cyclones pulled out a 61-50 Big 12 Conference win over Kansas Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum.

With the win, Iowa State improved to 13-1 on the season and won their Big 12 opener for the seventh time in school history. Kansas, who defeated the Cyclones by one point in both match-ups last season, fell to 5-8 on the season and 0-1 in the conference.

Sophomore Nicky Wieben and senior Lyndsey Medders each turned in 17 points and five rebounds to lead the Cyclones, while junior Toccara Ross finished with 13 points and nine boards. KU had two players who finished in double figures, with Kelly Kohn posting 12 points and Shaquina Mosley turning in 10.

“The point is we found a way to win,” ISU head coach Bill Fennelly said. “Last year I don't know if we could do it. Toccara struggled most of the game, but rose up at the end and I am proud of her. Being able to finish free throws is probably the difference in the game.”

After Iowa State opened up a 28-19 lead in the second half, Kansas continued to fight, tying the game at 35-all with 10 and a half minutes remaining, and the game became a see-saw battle the rest of the way. The Cyclones expanded the margin to seven points, 51-44, with 1:18 left, but KU hit back-to-back treys to get within three, 53-50. ISU didn't allow the Jayhawks to score the rest of the way, while hitting eight charity shots to earn the victory.

The Cyclones led the Jayhawks, 22-14, in the first half, setting season lows for fewest points scored and fewest points allowed by an opponent in a half.

In a slow start for both teams, Iowa State went on an 8-0 run midway through the first period to take a 17-8 lead with 6:12 to go. Kansas hit a pair of field goals the rest of the way, but ISU was limited to the charity stripe, where the Cyclones hit five free throws. ISU shot just 27.8 percent from the field in the first half, while the Cyclones were able to hold KU to 24 percent.

Iowa State finished the game shooting 38.2 percent from the field after shooting 50 percent on just 16 field goal attempts in the second half. Kansas finished shooting 35 percent after dramatically improving to 42.9 percent in the second period. The teams tied on the boards with 35 rebounds apiece.

The Cyclones travel to Columbia, Mo., on Saturday to take on the Missouri Tigers at 1 p.m. at Mizzou Arena.

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Team Stats

Nicky Wieben

Lyndsey Medders

Toccara Ross

Heather Ezell

Players Mentioned

Lyndsey Medders

Lyndsey Medders

Toccara Ross

Toccara Ross

Nicky Wieben

Nicky Wieben

Nicky Wieben

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