Iowa State women’s basketball hosts a historic Cy-Hawk rivalry showdown tonight at 6 p.m. CT, welcoming No. 12 Iowa to Hilton Coliseum in Ames. Both teams enter undefeated for the first matchup since 2004 featuring two unbeaten programs. This collision of top-15 titans in the Jimmy V Classic marks the season’s most anticipated in-state battle.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Iowa State enters at 10-0 (No. 10 AP ranking), led by preseason Big 12 Player of the Year Audi Crooks
- Iowa arrives undefeated at 9-0 (No. 12 AP ranking), continuing the post-Caitlin Clark era successfully
- First Cy-Hawk women’s basketball matchup of undefeated teams since 2004
- Iowa has won 3 straight games against Iowa State, with the Cyclones’ last victory coming at home in 2021
Perfect Records Set Stage for Elite Cy-Hawk Battle
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 2025 Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series women’s basketball rivalry reaches peak intensity tonight.
Iowa State’s 10-0 undefeated team showcases one of the nation’s most dominant forces. Head Coach Bill Fennelly’s Cyclones lead the country in scoring at 95.8 points per game and possess a powerhouse defensive presence. No. 12 Iowa arrives without legendary scorer Caitlin Clark yet has thrived in its transition year, maintaining perfect form.
East Texas A&M faces Southeastern in Family Fun Day matchup today
Macclesfield faces Brentford tonight in FA Cup fourth-round showdown
This marks the highest-ranked meeting between in-state rivals in years. The atmosphere at Hilton Coliseum promises electric energy as two top programs collide on primetime television.
Audi Crooks Leads Cyclones’ Dominant Undeaten Run
Audi Crooks, the 6-3 center from Algona, Iowa, has emerged as one of college basketball’s most explosive forces.
Named Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year, Crooks has delivered on every expectation, anchoring Iowa State’s elite offense and defense simultaneously. Her scoring prowess, rebounding dominance, and post presence make the Cyclones incredibly difficult to defend. The Naismith Trophy and Wooden Award watch list honoree represents the program’s championship aspirations.
| Matchup Factor | Iowa State | Iowa |
| Record | 10-0 | 9-0 |
| National Ranking | No. 10 AP | No. 12 AP |
| Top Scorer | Audi Crooks | Post-Clark roster |
| Recent Form | 105-52 vs Northern Illinois | 79-36 vs Rutgers (Big Ten opener) |
Iowa’s Post-Clark Era Exceeding Expectations
Skeptics wondered how Iowa would recover after Caitlin Clark departed for the WNBA.
Head Coach Jan Jensen’s program has provided a resounding answer through nine consecutive victories. The Hawkeyes demolished Rutgers 79-36 in their Big Ten opener, demonstrating defensive prowess and balanced offensive firepower. While the individual star power differs from the Clark era, Iowa’s depth and team-oriented basketball have proven remarkably effective.
The No. 12 ranking reflects Iowa’s legitimacy. However, Iowa State’s home-court advantage, higher seed status, and Crooks’ elite production create a formidable matchup challenge.
Rivalry History Favors Iowa in Recent Years
Iowa holds a commanding recent advantage in the Cy-Hawk series.
The Hawkeyes have captured three consecutive matchups, extending their dominance to 8-2 in the last ten Cy-Hawk women’s basketball games. Iowa State’s most recent victory came at home in 2021. However, tonight’s undefeated collision resets narratives. Both teams enter with championship aspirations and nothing to lose, making historical advantage largely irrelevant.
The Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series has awarded points to both programs across multiple sports, but women’s basketball typically draws the most attention. Playing in front of a packed Hilton Coliseum crowd gives Iowa State legitimate hope of snapping its losing streak.
Will Iowa State’s Dominance or Iowa’s Balance Prevail Tonight?
Tonight’s preview raises compelling questions about contrasting team philosophies.
Iowa State’s elite scoring margin (leading the nation at 29.8 points per game) versus Iowa’s defensive discipline and balanced approach creates an intriguing chess match. Can Iowa contain Audi Crooks inside while navigating Iowa State’s pace? Can Iowa State defend Iowa’s balanced offensive attack that includes multiple scoring threats?
The game tips at 6:00 p.m. CT from Ames and will be televised on major networks through the Jimmy V Classic showcase. Fans should expect an intense, high-quality women’s college basketball showcase featuring two deserving top-15 teams.
Sources
- ESPN – Women’s college basketball rankings and game coverage
- USA Today Sports – Cy-Hawk rivalry analysis and preview
- Des Moines Register – Iowa State and Iowa women’s basketball reporting
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.