Iowa State's Audi Crooks becomes second Big 12 player in a century to hit outstanding feat

Jeff Hauser

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Iowa State's Audi Crooks becomes second Big 12 player in a century to hit outstanding feat image

Audi Crooks continues to redefine what dominance looks like in the paint.

The Iowa State star poured in 41 points on 19-of-28 shooting in 30 minutes of work Sunday as the Iowa State Cyclones opened Big 12 play with a 79-76 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks in Ames. It marked the fourth 40-point game of Crooks’ career, tying her for the second-most by a Big 12 player this century.

Kansas entered the matchup shorthanded in the frontcourt and opted not to double-team the nation’s leading scorer, instead staying home on Iowa State’s perimeter shooters. The strategy limited the Cyclones from beyond the arc but opened the door for Crooks to operate freely on the block, which is a trade-off that proved costly.

“It’s a post player’s dream,” Crooks told ESPN after the game. “If you want to double me, you’re going to leave a really talented player open.”

Crooks delivered efficiency, scoring in every quarter and accounting for more than half of Iowa State’s made field goals. All but four of her attempts came in the paint as she scored through contact, sealed defenders deep and finished with soft touch around the rim.

Kansas surged late while Crooks briefly rested, trimming an 11-point deficit to one. After a timeout, Iowa State went right back to its All-American, who scored on three of the next four possessions to steady the Cyclones.

The Jayhawks finally altered their coverage in the final minute, shading help toward Crooks. That adjustment opened the door for Addy Brown to find Mackenzie Hare for the game-winning 3-pointer with 5.2 seconds left.

Crooks’ performance adds to the Cyclones historic start for both her and an unbeaten Iowa State team navigating Big 12 play with authority.

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