Iowa State’s Audi Crooks delivered a historic performance, scoring a program-record 43 points in just 20 minutes to lead the No. 16 Cyclones to a resounding 97-50 victory over Valparaiso on Wednesday. Her dominant display not only shattered a long-standing record but also highlighted her efficiency and impact on the court, setting a new benchmark for the team.
Crooks achieved this milestone on an impressive 18-of-23 shooting from the field, demonstrating remarkable accuracy and poise throughout the game. She also contributed seven rebounds and a block, further solidifying her all-around capabilities. The record-breaking moment came on a free throw with 8:42 remaining in the fourth quarter, surpassing Tonya Burns’ previous mark of 42 points set in 1984. Additionally, Crooks extended her streak of scoring in double figures to 71 consecutive games, the longest active run in NCAA women’s basketball and a Cyclones program record, underscoring her consistency and reliability.
The Cyclones’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with Addy Brown adding 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting, along with seven rebounds and four assists. Brown’s performance also saw her surpass the 1,000 career points milestone, marking a significant personal achievement. Jada Williams notched her first career double-double with 11 points and a career-high 10 assists, showcasing the team’s depth and unselfish play. On the opposing side, Milana Nenadic was the lone bright spot for Valparaiso, scoring 20 points, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Iowa State’s dominance.
Defensively, Iowa State was equally impressive, holding Valparaiso to just 29% shooting from the field while the Cyclones shot 53.4%. This marked their fourth consecutive game scoring at least 85 points to start the season, with an average of only 44.5 points allowed per game. The team’s balanced attack and stifling defense were key factors in the lopsided win, emphasizing their preparedness and cohesion early in the season.
The game, played at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, was the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Crooks poured in 22 points in the first half, leading a 33-10 run that gave Iowa State a commanding 43-22 lead at the break. She continued her dominance in the second half, scoring the first six points of the fourth quarter before being subbed out with the game well in hand, allowing reserves to gain valuable experience.
Looking ahead, Iowa State (4-0) will host Norfolk State on Sunday, while Valparaiso (0-3) returns home to face Milwaukee. Crooks’ record-breaking performance sets a high standard for the Cyclones as they continue their season, with aspirations of competing at the highest level in the Big 12 Conference and beyond. Her ability to deliver in such an efficient manner bodes well for the team’s future success and could propel them into contention for conference and national honors.
