Fouls Dominate Farmageddon as Cyclones Edge Wildcats 76-72

47 combined fouls set the tone in heated rivalry game between Iowa State and Kansas State

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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In a physical matchup between Iowa State and Kansas State, 47 combined fouls were called as the Cyclones defeated the Wildcats 76-72. Foul trouble plagued both teams early, with 18 fouls in the first quarter alone. Iowa State's Evangelia Paulk was limited to just over a minute of play due to the need for ball handling, while Kansas State's top defenders spent much of the first half on the bench. The Cyclones were able to capitalize in the second quarter, going on a scoring run. In the final moments, Kansas State was forced to foul Iowa State's Jada Williams, who finished a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line to seal the victory.

Why it matters

The high foul count in this Farmageddon rivalry game highlights the physical, intense nature of the matchup between these two Big 12 programs. Foul trouble can significantly impact a team's strategy and rotation, as seen with Iowa State's Paulk and Kansas State's defensive players. The outcome of the game ultimately came down to free-throw shooting, with Williams' perfect performance proving crucial for the Cyclones.

The details

Both teams struggled with foul trouble throughout the game, combining for 47 total fouls. In the first half alone, there were 28 fouls, with Iowa State committing 12 and Kansas State 16. The high foul count limited the strategies of both teams, as key players were forced to sit due to early foul trouble. For Iowa State, this included typical starter Evangelia Paulk, who played just over a minute. On the Kansas State side, the Wildcats' top defenders spent much of the first half on the bench, allowing the Cyclones to go on a scoring run in the second quarter. In the final moments, Kansas State was forced to foul Iowa State's Jada Williams, who made all 12 of her free-throw attempts to seal the victory for the Cyclones.

  • 18 first-quarter fouls immediately set the tone for the physical rivalry game.
  • In the first half, Iowa State and Kansas State combined for 28 fouls, with the Cyclones committing 12 and the Wildcats committing 16.

The players

Evangelia Paulk

An Iowa State player who was listed as a game-time decision and played just over a minute due to the need for ball handling as a result of foul trouble.

Jada Williams

The Iowa State junior guard who went a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line in the closing moments to seal the victory for the Cyclones.

Bill Fennelly

The head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones.

Jeff Mittie

The head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats.

Sydney Harris

The Kansas State senior guard who received a technical foul for taunting after blocking a shot.

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What they’re saying

“We're picking up too many offensive fouls. Our two best defenders were on the bench, a good portion of that first half.”

— Jeff Mittie, Head Coach, Kansas State Wildcats (iowastatedaily.com)

“My mom always told me, free shots, you gotta make those.”

— Jada Williams (iowastatedaily.com)

“From a defensive side, just play straight up, they're probably gonna get one or two. But on the offensive side, if they're calling it for us, then we might as well keep going to the basket.”

— Jada Williams (iowastatedaily.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game highlights the intense, physical nature of the Farmageddon rivalry between Iowa State and Kansas State, with foul trouble significantly impacting both teams' strategies and rotations. The outcome ultimately came down to free-throw shooting, with Iowa State's Jada Williams' perfect performance proving crucial for the Cyclones' victory.