Arianna Jackson makes her triumphant return as Iowa State women’s basketball faces Cincinnati tonight with a crucial chance for redemption. The No. 24 Cyclones need a spark after a devastating five-game losing streak. Can Jackson’s comeback change everything?
🔥 Quick Facts
- The Matchup: Iowa State (14-5, 2-5 Big 12) hosts Cincinnati (7-12, 2-5) at Hilton Coliseum tonight at 6:30 PM CT
- Jackson’s Return: Star guard Arianna Jackson available after knee injury kept her out 3 games
- Recent Form: Iowa State in worst stretch since 2015-16, having lost 5 straight games
- Previous Meeting: Cincinnati shocked Iowa State 68-63 on January 7 in first conference matchup
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Arianna Jackson suffered a knee injury during the January 7 loss at Cincinnati but was cleared for tonight’s return. The 5-foot-9 guard is Iowa State’s tenacious on-ball defender. She shoots 47.5% from 3-point range this season. Jackson’s versatility on both ends gives head coach Bill Fennelly more defensive options. Her return may finally snap the Cyclones’ five-game losing streak. Iowa State struggled without her perimeter presence in recent games.
However, Addy Brown remains sidelined with a lower-body injury. The 6-foot-2 forward has missed four games and averages 13.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Without her versatile scoring and rebounding, Iowa State drops to just 2-5 in Big 12 play. Brown’s expected return timeline remains unclear.
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Cincinnati pulled off one of the season’s biggest surprises just two weeks ago when they defeated ranked Iowa State 68-63. Guard Mya Perry exploded for 26 points on nearly perfect shooting. She connected on 10-of-14 field goals and 4-of-6 three-pointers. The Bearcats controlled the glass, out-rebounding Iowa State 44-30. Cincinnati also has Kali Barrett sidelined tonight. The Bearcats sit at 7-12 overall and 2-5 in conference play.
That defensive recipe worked perfectly against the Cyclones’ high-octane offense. Iowa State ranks third nationally in field goal percentage at 49.1%. Cincinnati’s intensity last time shows they can compete. However, Iowa State was missing key rotational pieces. Tonight, the Cyclones get a chance to prove they’re the better team with full health possibilities.
Iowa State Searching for Identity During Historic Skid
Iowa State started this season with 14 straight wins, matching the school record. The Cyclones climbed into the top 10 rankings. Now they’re barely clinging to No. 24 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll. Coach Fennelly says the team must adjust. “We’re definitely searching,” he admitted to reporters. The Cyclones have rotated lineups constantly, starting five different players in some games.
| Factor | Iowa State | Cincinnati |
| Record | 14-5 | 7-12 |
| Conference | 2-5 Big 12 | 2-5 Big 12 |
| Key Player | Audi Crooks (85 straight double-doubles) | Mya Perry (26 pts in first meeting) |
| Strength | Field goal percentage (49.1%) | Rebounding edge and defense |
“Our ability to create situations that put the other team at risk because we have players in the game that could do multiple things without subbing, we don’t have a nickelback come in at third-and-10. They’re already in the game.”
— Bill Fennelly, Iowa State Head Coach
Can Audi Crooks and Jada Williams Lead Another Rally?
Audi Crooks holds an incredible 85-game double-double streak, the longest active NCAA streak. The 6-foot-3 center has been reliable despite the team’s struggles. Jada Williams, a transfer from Arizona, is adjusting to her point guard role superbly. She’s dished out 7.6 assists per game, up nearly 5 dimes from last season. Williams recorded career-high 28 points against Baylor and tallied 14 assists at Houston. The Cyclones lead the Big 12 with a 1.68 assist-to-turnover ratio. However, recent games saw Iowa State commit 17 to 25 turnovers per contest. Getting control of the ball will be crucial tonight. The Cyclones must play methodically and avoid the turnover plague that cost them dearly recently.
Will Tonight Mark a Turning Point or Another Heartbreaker?
The stakes could hardly be higher for Iowa State women’s basketball on Wednesday night. A loss to Cincinnati would extend the losing streak to six games, reaching territory not seen since 1994-95. The Cyclones bleed talent with Jackson back, but consistency has evaded them. Cincinnati’s confidence from their upset victory makes them dangerous at home. Will Arianna Jackson’s return provide the momentum shift needed?
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