In a thrilling conclusion to their NCAA Tournament opener, the Iowa State women66s basketball team defeated Princeton 68-63 during the First Four matchup. The game, held on March 19, 2025, at Purcell Pavilion, saw Iowa State storm back from a 13-point deficit after a challenging first half. Audi Crooks emerged as a standout player, scoring a total of 27 points, while Addy Brown contributed significantly with 22 points alongside seven rebounds and eight assists.
The Cyclones, entering the game as the No. 11 seed, started strong, pushing ahead with a 9-0 run in the first quarter to establish an early 18-9 lead. However, the tides turned as Princeton rallied back to execute a 14-0 run during the second quarter, allowing them to finish the half leading Iowa State 38-25. At that point, it seemed that the Cyclones might be facing an early exit from the tournament.
As the teams returned from halftime, Iowa State regained its momentum, led by a spirited effort from their players. Crooks and Brown ignited the third-quarter comeback, combining for key plays that helped the Cyclones to an 8-0 run, narrowing the margin to seven points. In total, Iowa State outscored Princeton 27-9 in that quarter, taking the lead with a vital jumper from Brown.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Iowa State held a slim lead of 52-47. The final period turned into a back-and-forth scoring affair, with both teams exchanging baskets. Crooks, who scored 12 of her total points in the final quarter, proved instrumental in preserving the Cyclones' lead. Emily Ryan capped the game with a layup under a minute remaining, securing Iowa State's victory.
"What an amazing test of character for our team," said Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly, whose milestone win against Princeton marked the 800th of his career. This victory placed him among the top three active coaches in women60s basketball history. Alongside him, noteworthy performances came from Emily Ryan, who not only contributed in scoring but also made history by tying the Big 12 career record for assists at 988.
For Princeton, Fadima Tall was a strong competitor, scoring 19 points, while Skye Belker recorded a near double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The loss marked a challenging end for Princeton, who was also making their sixth consecutive tournament appearance.
The Cyclones, now 23-11 for the season, advanced onto the next round, where they are set to compete against No. 6-seed Michigan on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Joyce Center in South Bend, Indiana. The game is scheduled to be broadcast live on ESPN2 at 10:30 a.m. CT.
As the tournament continues, excitement builds around the Iowa State team as they prepare to tackle their next challenge. Their comeback against Princeton has not only energized their fan base but also renewed hopes for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Iowa State continues to exemplify resilience and determination, showcasing a brand of basketball that has captured the hearts of many.
