Iowa State Women’s Basketball Dominates Mercyhurst in 112-62 Victory

AMES, Iowa – No. 12 Iowa State University (7-0, 0-0 Big 12) defeated Mercyhurst University (0-5, 0-0 NEC) with a score of 112-62 Sunday afternoon at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones matched their best season start since 2021-22.

The game began competitively, with both teams trading baskets early on. Iowa State jumped out to an 11-2 lead thanks to five quick points from a standout player and two three-pointers from teammates. Mercyhurst responded, taking a brief 17-15 lead midway through the first quarter. However, two free throws from an Iowa State player secured a 26-24 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Iowa State’s defense intensified in the second quarter after allowing Mercyhurst to shoot 50 percent from the field in the first. The Cyclones initiated a 9-0 run following a three-pointer, prompting a timeout from the Mercyhurst bench. Cyclone player Crooks cemented her scoring legacy by passing Alison Lacey for 12th place on Iowa State’s all-time scoring list.

The Cyclones ended the first half leading 58-33 after a high-scoring 32-point quarter and holding Mercyhurst to 25 percent shooting. Iowa State continued their momentum into the third quarter, starting with a 13-0 run to boost their lead to 38 points.

Top performer Crooks finished the game with 27 points, making 8-of-9 shots and 11-of-14 from the free-throw line while adding four rebounds and two steals in 22 minutes of play. The game ended with five Cyclones reaching double figures in scoring.

Looking ahead, Iowa State will travel to Fort Myers, Florida, for the Coconut Hoops tournament, commencing with a matchup against Marquette on Friday, Nov. 28, at 10 a.m. CT.