No. 12 Iowa State women’s basketball enters the Drake rivalry matchup undefeated with a perfect 5-0 record after dominant wins. The Cyclones travel to Des Moines for their first road game of the season on Nov. 20. Star center Audi Crooks leads the offensive attack with 26.4 points per game. This in-state showdown features contrasting records: Iowa State 5-0 versus Drake 1-2.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Iowa State remains perfect at 5-0, the best start since 2022-23
- Audi Crooks has scored double figures in 72 straight games (longest in NCAA)
- Addy Brown recorded a triple-double (11 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists) against Norfolk State
- Game tip-off: Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6:00 p.m. CT at Knapp Center
- Iowa State leads the all-time series 35-28 against Drake
Undefeated Start Sets High Bar
Iowa State has dominated through five games with dominant performances. The Cyclones defeated Norfolk State 98-52 and Valparaiso 97-50 in recent contests. Drake, meanwhile, is searching for momentum after dropping its last three games by significant margins. The Bulldogs lost to Iowa 100-58 just a week earlier, showing the competitive gap heading into this rivalry clash.
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Coach Bill Fennelly has built a system where his Cyclones score consistently on offense. The team features balanced scoring led by Audi Crooks, Addy Brown, and Jada Williams. Multiple offensive weapons make the Cyclones difficult to defend, and they’ve proven capable of running up large scoring margins against quality opponents.
Crooks Extends Record-Setting Streak
Audi Crooks continues her remarkable performance with 26.4 points per game through five games. She has now scored in double figures in 72 consecutive games, the longest active streak in NCAA women’s basketball. This streak surpasses the previous Iowa State record and ranks among the most impressive offensive consistency achievements in women’s college basketball.
In the dominant win over Norfolk State, Crooks posted 19 points and 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. Her field goal percentage sits at 76.1 percent, making her a highly efficient scorer. Drake must find a way to slow Crooks, but her recent form suggests this task will prove extremely difficult for the Bulldogs defense.
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Crooks | 26.4 | 7.4 | 2.6 |
| Addy Brown | Leading scorer in triple-double game | 10 | 11 |
| Jada Williams | 9.8 | 2.6 | 7.0 |
Rivalry Context Matters
The Iowa State and Drake rivalry dates back 64 games in program history. Iowa State has won four of the last six matchups overall but just one of the last four in Des Moines. Last season, Audi Crooks made a clutch layup with one second remaining to deliver an 80-78 victory, showing how competitive these games can become despite the rankings difference. The Cyclones play well when scoring 70 or more points, posting a 27-9 record against Drake in those situations.
Drake desperately needs this win to resurrect its season. The Bulldogs have allowed 82 points per game in their last three games, indicating defensive struggles. Iowa State‘s balanced scoring attack should exploit these weaknesses, but the home crowd at Knapp Center in Des Moines may provide some encouragement to the Bulldogs.
What’s Next for the Cyclones?
- Extended road trip begins with Drake test on Thursday night
- Iowa State targets 6-0 start for first time since 2021-22 season
- Big 12 conference play approaches in coming weeks
- Tournament selection positioning improves with every win
- Jada Williams continues implementing Arizona transfer impact
Can Iowa State Stay Undefeated Against Drake?
The Cyclones should maintain their perfect record heading into Drake on November 20. Iowa State features too many scoring threats and defensive capabilities for Drake to overcome. Audi Crooks and Addy Brown have played at an elite level, and Jada Williams‘ playmaking creates open looks for teammates. The Bulldogs face a defensive challenge they haven’t answered well this season.
However, first road games always carry some risk. Drake will play with intensity in its home state, and the Knapp Center crowd may create energy shifts. If Iowa State stays focused and executes its offense efficiently, expect the Cyclones to extend their winning streak and improve to 6-0. How will the Cyclones respond to their first road test of the season?
Sources
- Iowa State Athletics – Official primer and game information
- ESPN – Player statistics and rankings
- Des Moines Register – Regional coverage and analysis
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.