Kansas City, Mo. – The Iowa State Cyclones (22-8, 10-8 Big 12) enter the 2026 Big 12 Tournament with momentum, having secured a first-round bye and preparing for a second-round matchup against the Arizona State Sun Devils (15-15, 8-9 Big 12) on Thursday. This contest, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT at the T-Mobile Center, marks the second consecutive year these teams will face off in this stage of the tournament. The game will be broadcast on FS1, with Brenda VanLengen and Anne O’Neil calling the action, and can also be heard on the Cyclone Radio Network.
Iowa State concluded its regular season with a decisive 93-79 victory over Kansas State on Sunday, showcasing a potent offense and rebounding prowess. The Cyclones are currently averaging 82.8 points per game, ranking 12th in NCAA Division I women’s basketball through 30 contests. This offensive firepower, coupled with a strong defensive presence, positions them as a formidable opponent in the tournament. Fans can follow live stats and access media resources through the official Big 12 Tournament website.
Key Players to Watch
Leading the charge for Iowa State is junior Audi Crooks, who has been on a historic scoring run. Crooks has scored in double figures in 96 consecutive games, the longest active streak in NCAA women’s basketball and the longest streak by a Big 12 player since Brittney Griner’s impressive 116-game run from 2010-2013. Crooks recently became the program’s 35th 1,000-point scorer and is now the fastest Big 12 player to reach 2,000 career points, achieving the milestone in just 89 games – five games faster than Oklahoma’s Courtney Paris. Currently, Crooks boasts 2,198 points, trailing only Ashley Joens in Iowa State’s all-time scoring records.
Adding to the Cyclones’ offensive threat is Jada Williams, who contributed 23 points in the win against Kansas State. Iowa State is unique within the Big 12, being the only program to have three different players – Addy Brown, Crooks, and Williams – earn the league’s Player of the Week honors this season. Brown also made history earlier this season, recording the fourth triple-double in program history against Norfolk State on November 16th, with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Series History
Iowa State holds a strong record against Arizona State since the Sun Devils joined the Big 12 in 2024-25. In the three matchups between the two programs, the Cyclones have consistently scored at least 90 points, including a 96-88 victory in the second round of last year’s Big 12 Tournament, fueled by 41 points from Addy Brown. The Cyclones will aim to continue this dominance as they face off against Arizona State once again.
Recent Performance and Tournament Outlook
Iowa State’s recent performance demonstrates their ability to control the boards and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Against Kansas State, they out-rebounded their opponents 48-24 and shot an impressive 23-of-24 from the free-throw line. This efficiency, combined with Crooks’s scoring prowess and Williams’s playmaking ability, makes them a challenging opponent for any team in the tournament.
The Cyclones’ success hinges on maintaining their offensive momentum and defensive intensity. As the seventh seed, a win against Arizona State would propel them further into the tournament, potentially setting up a matchup against higher-ranked teams. The Big 12 Tournament, known for its competitive nature, will undoubtedly test Iowa State’s resilience and determination as they strive for a championship title.
The second-round matchup against Arizona State promises to be a compelling contest, showcasing two teams with contrasting styles and strengths. Fans can tune in to FS1 on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. CT to witness the Cyclones’ pursuit of a Big 12 Tournament championship.
What comes next for Iowa State will depend on the outcome of this crucial second-round game. A victory would not only advance their tournament run but also solidify their position as a contender in the Big 12. Share your thoughts on the upcoming game and Iowa State’s tournament prospects in the comments below!
