(Ames) Iowa State (23-11, 12-6 Big 12) defeated Princeton (21-8, 12-2 Ivy) 68-63 in the NCAA Tournament First Four on Wednesday night, marking Head Coach Bill Fennelly’s 800th career win.
After a rough second quarter, the Cyclones rallied with a 19-5 third-quarter run, securing the program’s second-largest comeback in tournament history. Audi Crooks led with 27 points, extending her streak to 66 straight games in double figures, while Addy Brown added 22 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.
Emily Ryan fueled the second-half surge, finishing with nine points, six rebounds, six assists, four steals, and two blocks, surpassing the Big 12 all-time assist record with 988. The Cyclones held off Princeton’s late push, sealing the win with clutch plays from Ryan and Crooks.
Iowa State advances to face Michigan in the NCAA Tournament First Round on Friday, March 21, at 10:30 a.m. CT on ESPN2.
