The Iowa State Cyclones basketball team’s held openers at Hilton Coliseum on Tuesday, as the Iowa State women tipped off at 11 AM against the Mavericks of Nebraska-Omaha, and the men tipped off at 7 PM against the Owls of Kennesaw State.
Bill Fennelly’s Cyclone women took down Nebraska-Omaha in a defensive slugfest, by a final score of 65-38. The Mavericks held the lead after the 1st quarter, but Iowa State’s defense held them to very little offense the rest of the way. Emily Ryan tied an Iowa State record for steals in game with 9, while also adding 9 points. Lexie Donarski led the Cyclones in scoring with 18 points, while All-American Ashley Joens contributed 15 points and 8 rebounds.
The Mavericks were led in scoring by forward Mariah Murdie, who scored 15 points off of 6-of-9 shooting, while collecting 8 rebounds. Nebraska-Omaha Center Elena Pilakouta added 8 points of her own, in what was a very limited offensive performance from the Mavericks.
TJ Otzelburger’s Cyclone men were forced to grind out an 84-73 win over the Owl of Kennesaw State, in a game where both teams combined for 56 fouls, and saw 5 players foul out. The Cyclones leading scorer was Minnesota-transfer Gabe Kalscheur 19 points. Penn State-transfer Izaiah Brockington added 18 points, while Tyrese Hunter and Caleb Grill added 11 points, and Tre Jackson contributed 10 points.
Kennesaw State saw a big performance from guard Terrell Burden, who scored a game-high 21 points and drew 15 fouls. Chris Youngblood added 16 points, while Spencer Rodgers and Jamir Moultrie contributed 12 points each. The Owls got to the foul line 36 times, while the Cyclones had 33 free throw attempts.
Next action for the Cyclone women will be on Monday, as they host the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State. Iowa State’s men’s team will be back in action on Friday, when they host Oregon State at Hilton Coliseum at 7 PM.