The NCAA women’s basketball world watches tonight as No. 10 Iowa State and No. 11 Iowa collide in Ames for the highest-ranked matchup in the storied Cy-Hawk rivalry’s history. Both programs enter undefeated—a rare feat that hasn’t happened since 2004—setting the stage for a clash that could reshape the landscape of women’s college basketball.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Iowa State (10-0) hosts Iowa (9-0) at Hilton Coliseum in Ames on December 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM CT
- First undefeated matchup between these rivals since 2004—making this the highest-ranked game in Cy-Hawk history
- Audi Crooks, Iowa State’s star, leads the nation in scoring with 27.6 points per game
- Iowa leads the all-time series 32-23 and has won 8 of the last 9 meetings, including the last 3 consecutive
Undefeated Collide in Historic Cy-Hawk Moment
Cagliari faces Lecce tonight in Serie A showdown, Rossoblu seek top-half push
Girona faces Barcelona tonight in La Liga showdown, Barcelona chases lead
The Iowa Hawkeyes arrive in Ames riding a 9-0 start under head coach Jan Jensen. The Hawkeyes have impressed against quality competition, posting wins over Baylor and Miami while maintaining a dominant scoring margin of nearly 30 points per game. Iowa’s balanced attack and suffocating defense have made them one of the nation’s most dangerous teams.
Meanwhile, Iowa State sits at a perfect 10-0, backed by the offensive brilliance of Audi Crooks. The Cyclones control one of the nation’s most hostile home environments at Hilton Coliseum, where they’ve won 11 of their last 14 meetings against Iowa. This homecourt advantage could prove decisive.
Audi Crooks’ Dominant Season Meets Iowa’s Balanced Attack
East Texas A&M faces Southeastern in Family Fun Day matchup today
Macclesfield faces Brentford tonight in FA Cup fourth-round showdown
Audi Crooks is having a historically productive season. Leading the nation in scoring at 27.6 points per game, Crooks has been virtually unstoppable, providing Iowa State with an offensive centerpiece few teams can contain. Her ability to create her own shot while facilitating for teammates makes the Cyclones incredibly versatile on offense.
Iowa counters with depth and balance. The Hawkeyes don’t rely on a single superstar; instead, multiple players contribute meaningfully each night. This balanced offensive approach has proven effective against ranked opponents, though stopping an on-fire Crooks presents a unique matchup challenge that Iowa must navigate carefully.
| Team Stat | Iowa State | Iowa |
| Record | 10-0 (Ranked #10) | 9-0 (Ranked #11-12) |
| Leading Scorer | Audi Crooks (27.6 PPG) | Multiple contributors |
| Recent Wins | Undefeated to date | vs Baylor, Miami |
| Home vs Iowa Record | 11-3 in last 14 | 8-1 in last 9 series |
The Cy-Hawk History Iowa Wants to Extend
Iowa enters Ames on a mission: extend its recent dominance in this rivalry. The Hawkeyes lead the all-time series 32-23 (though Iowa State disputes the count, claiming 33-23) and have demonstrated mastery in recent matchups. Winning 8 of the last 9 meetings shows Iowa’s ability to execute under pressure in the biggest moments.
However, this game carries unique weight. The Cyclones haven’t faced a team as composed and multifaceted as this Iowa squad. The Hawkeyes’ balanced approach means Iowa State can’t simply key on a single defender when preparing game plans. This unpredictability, combined with Iowa’s proven tournament pedigree, could tilt the balance toward the visitors tonight.
“This is the first Cy-Hawk matchup of undefeated teams since 2004, making this in-state rivalry matchup the highest-ranked game in the series’ history.”
— Des Moines Register, NCAA women’s basketball analysis
What Are the Stakes for Both Programs?
For Iowa State, a win establishes dominance heading into conference play while protecting homecourt and remaining undefeated. The Cyclones are positioned as title contenders; a loss to Iowa would sting but wouldn’t derail their season. For Iowa, a road victory against an undefeated team validates the Hawkeyes’ strength of schedule while reinforcing their status as a potential Final Four threat.
Both programs covet this win for different reasons. Iowa State wants to prove it can overcome a legendary rival; Iowa wants to cement its arrival as a national player. The winner walks away with undefeated status intact, a powerful narrative heading into December championship season.
Which Team Better Answers the Call on the Biggest Stage?
This matchup ultimately asks: Can Audi Crooks and Iowa State’s offensive firepower overcome Iowa’s depth and execution? Or will Iowa’s balanced approach and recent clutch performances prove decisive? The Hawkeyes haven’t shown weakness all season, but the Cyclones at home present the sternest test either team has faced to date.
Tonight settles more than a rivalry—it clarifies who belongs in women’s college basketball’s national conversation. With both teams undefeated and ranked in the top 15, the loser faces a harder path to the NCAA Tournament‘s elite rounds. That pressure builds the narrative: winner improves to guarantee survival in tournament seeding conversations.
Sources
- ESPN – Women’s college basketball rankings and game coverage
- Des Moines Register – Iowa State and Iowa women’s basketball preview analysis
- NCAA.com – Official statistics and division I women’s basketball information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.