Arianna Jackson's heroics fuel the Iowa State women's win Saturday over UCF

Jackson went 6-for-12 from 3-point range as the Cyclones defeated the Knights 65-52.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:47pm

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Iowa State women's basketball coach Bill Fennelly praised Arianna Jackson's performance, saying she "won us that game" with a career-high six 3-pointers in the Cyclones' 65-52 victory over UCF. The rest of the Cyclones struggled from beyond the arc, going just 3-for-24, but Jackson's hot shooting helped offset the team's overall shooting woes and the defensive focus on star center Audi Crooks.

Why it matters

Jackson's standout performance was crucial for the Cyclones, who have now won four straight games since her return from injury. Her ability to hit 3-pointers has been a key factor in Iowa State's recent success, as opponents focus on containing Crooks in the paint.

The details

Jackson went 6-for-12 from 3-point range, while the rest of the Cyclones shot just 3-for-24 from beyond the arc. UCF double and triple-teamed Crooks, limiting her scoring opportunities, so Iowa State needed Jackson's perimeter shooting to offset the team's overall struggles. Jada Williams scored a game-high 23 points and dished out 5 assists, while Evangelia Paulk provided a spark off the bench with her hustle and energy.

  • The game took place on Saturday, February 1, 2026 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.

The players

Arianna Jackson

A junior from Des Moines who scored a career-high 18 points, including a career-best 6 3-pointers, to lead the Cyclones to victory.

Bill Fennelly

The head coach of the Iowa State women's basketball team, who praised Jackson's performance as the key factor in the Cyclones' win.

Audi Crooks

Iowa State's star center, who was limited to 10 points and 13 rebounds as UCF focused its defense on containing her in the paint.

Jada Williams

The Iowa State point guard who scored a game-high 23 points and dished out 5 assists.

Evangelia Paulk

A recently inserted starter for the Cyclones who provided a spark with her hustle, energy, and effort, grabbing 6 rebounds (5 offensive) and making plays to extend or end possessions.

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What they’re saying

“She won the game for us. You know me, I'm not a smart (aleck) — yes I am, but I'm not trying to be one. But, yeah, I think if 'AJ' doesn't play the way she does, I'm not saying we lose, but there's a chance.”

— Bill Fennelly, Head Coach, Iowa State Women's Basketball

“I know that feeling when you're feeling it and you think everything's going through the basket. So in my head, I'm just like, 'Where's 'AJ?' Just because I know she's the hot hand.”

— Jada Williams, Point Guard, Iowa State Women's Basketball

“Doing on the floor, loose balls, the energy, the effort, you just don't find another player like her. She just brings another aspect to our team that I think definitely pick us up. Teams can sag off of her, but she's gonna create something for someone else or even for herself.”

— Arianna Jackson, Junior, Iowa State Women's Basketball

What’s next

The Cyclones will look to continue their winning streak when they host Kansas State on Wednesday, February 5th.

The takeaway

Arianna Jackson's hot shooting performance was the difference-maker for Iowa State, as her 3-point marksmanship helped offset the team's overall struggles from beyond the arc and the defensive focus on star center Audi Crooks. Jackson's ability to step up when needed has been a key factor in the Cyclones' recent success.