NCAA women’s basketball delivered a stunning upset Wednesday night as Cincinnati shocked #11 Iowa State 71-63 on the road. The Bearcats delivered a dominant defensive performance in Fifth Third Arena to secure their first Big 12 victory of the season. Audi Crooks and the Cyclones couldn’t find their rhythm against Cincinnati’s tenacious front line.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Cincinnati defeated Iowa State 71-63 in Big 12 conference action on January 7, 2026
- Mya Perry led Cincinnati with a game-high 26 points as the Bearcats shot nearly 50 percent from the field
- Audi Crooks scored 23 points for Iowa State in her sixth-straight game with 20-plus points
- Iowa State’s shooting struggles at 35.8 percent proved decisive in the loss on the road
Cincinnati Dominates with Superior Shooting Performance
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The Bearcats came out aggressive early, jumping to a 10-5 lead just three minutes into the contest. Iowa State fought back to trim the deficit, eventually bringing it within one at 14-13 following a media timeout. Despite the Cyclones’ efforts to close the gap late in the first quarter, Cincinnati kept its composure and led 23-20 after one quarter of play.
Cincinnati’s shooting efficiency proved to be the difference-maker throughout the night. The Bearcats connected on nearly 50 percent of their field goals while forcing the Cyclones to rely heavily on Audi Crooks for scoring. Iowa State’s bench struggled to provide consistent offense, with only a handful of role players reaching double figures.
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The Cyclones shot just 33.3 percent in the first half as Cincinnati built a comfortable 33-28 halftime advantage. Iowa State needed to find answers at the break, but Cincinnati’s defensive scheme remained effective in limiting scoring opportunities for everyone except Crooks.
Iowa State Rallies But Can’t Complete the Comeback
The third quarter became a back-and-forth affair with both teams trading baskets. Arianna Jackson hit crucial three-pointers to keep Iowa State within striking distance, and Crooks added a layup and two free throws to briefly give the Cyclones a 38-38 tied game. Jackson drained another three to put Iowa State ahead at 41-40, keeping the contest competitive midway through the period.
Cincinnati answered with yet another lead change at 42-41 with just under four minutes remaining in the third quarter. Jackson hit her second three-pointer of the quarter to restore Iowa State’s lead, and Reese Beaty made it a one-point game at 49-48. However, Cincinnati’s resilience shined through as the Bearcats made the final shot of the quarter to extend their lead to 51-48 heading into the fourth.
The final quarter proved devastating for Iowa State’s championship hopes. Cincinnati extended its lead to double digits at 66-55 with just 3:36 remaining after a pair of free throws. The Bearcats controlled the final minutes without allowing Iowa State to mount a successful fourth-quarter comeback.
Team Statistics and Shooting Battle
| Statistical Category | Cincinnati | Iowa State |
| Field Goal Percentage | 49.0% | 35.8% |
| Three-Point Percentage | 44.4% | 19.0% |
| Free Throw Percentage | 70.8% | 55.0% |
| Total Rebounds | 44 | 30 |
| Turnovers | 25 | 12 |
Individual Performances Fuel Cincinnati Victory
Mya Perry was absolutely dominant for Cincinnati, finishing with a game-leading 26 points that set the tone for the upset. Perry took over stretches of the game with confident shooting and aggressive drives to the basket. Audi Crooks battled through the double-teams and defensive attention to score 23 points on 10 field goals, extending her remarkable streak of six consecutive games with at least 20-plus points.
Jada Williams contributed 13 points for Iowa State with 5 field goals and a three-pointer, but the supporting cast couldn’t help carry the scoring load. Arianna Jackson provided crucial shooting with 6 points including 2 three-pointers. Cincinnati’s depth proved advantageous as multiple Bearcats contributed across quarters, preventing Iowa State from mounting a full comeback despite their best players’ efforts.
The rebounding battle in particular favored Cincinnati significantly. The Bearcats dominated the boards with 44 total rebounds compared to Iowa State’s 30, providing second-chance opportunities that the Cyclones couldn’t generate on the other end of the court.
What This Upset Means for Both Programs Moving Forward?
This victory marks Cincinnati’s first Big 12 conference win of the season after opening conference play 0-3. The Bearcats are now 6-10 overall and 1-3 in Big 12 play, giving them momentum heading into their next matchup. This win proves Cincinnati can compete with ranked teams when their offense flows smoothly and their defense forces turnovers.
Iowa State’s loss drops them to 14-2 overall and 2-2 in Big 12 conference play, marking their second consecutive defeat. The Cyclones faced Baylor within the past week and couldn’t contain either opponent’s offensive flow. Iowa State must address its shooting inconsistency and rebounding disadvantages before hosting West Virginia on Sunday at 2 p.m. for their next contest.
This game demonstrates that even talented rosters like Iowa State can struggle on the road against hungry teams executing defensively. Cincinnati’s performance should serve notice to Big 12 opponents that the Bearcats remain dangerous despite their record.
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.