Ames, Iowa — No. 14 Iowa State showed no mercy in its home opener Sunday, overwhelming Sacred Heart 99–34 behind a balanced offensive attack led by Audi Crooks, who poured in 21 points.
Alisa Williams came alive in the second half, scoring 12 of her 14 points after the break while also pulling down seven rebounds. Reese Beaty added 13 points, Addy Brown scored 12, and Lilly Tauleilei chipped in 10 as five Cyclones reached double figures in the blowout win.
The Cyclones (2–0) broke the game wide open in the second quarter, unleashing a 19–3 run to take a commanding 54–17 halftime lead. Crooks continued the onslaught after intermission, scoring the first eight points of the third quarter before heading to the bench to a round of applause.
“Our energy was exactly where it needed to be,” head coach Bill Fennelly said. “Everyone contributed, and I loved how we stayed focused regardless of the score.”
Sacred Heart (0–2) struggled to find any rhythm against Iowa State’s length and defensive pressure. Amelia Wood led the Pioneers with six points and four rebounds, as the visitors shot under 25% from the field.
The victory marked the Cyclones’ second straight to start the season and their second-ever meeting with Sacred Heart — the first coming in 2016, also won by Iowa State.
Iowa State now looks ahead to a tougher test later this week as it continues its nonconference schedule before Big 12 play begins.
