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Ames Today
By the People, for the People
No. 25 Iowa State women's basketball survives scare from Kansas State
Cyclones improve to 20-6 overall and 8-6 in Big 12 with narrow victory over Wildcats
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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The 25th-ranked Iowa State Cyclones women's basketball team held off a late rally from Kansas State to win 76-72 at Hilton Coliseum on Sunday. Iowa State was led by Jada Williams' 22 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds, while Audi Crooks added 20 points. The Cyclones led by as many as 13 points but had to fend off strong third and fourth quarter runs by the Wildcats, who cut the deficit to just one point in the final minute before Iowa State hit a key 3-pointer to seal the victory.
Why it matters
The win keeps Iowa State in the hunt for a top-4 finish in the Big 12 standings, which would earn them a first-round bye in the conference tournament. The Cyclones have now won 20 games on the season and are 8-6 in league play, putting them in good position to make the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year.
The details
Iowa State led 38-36 at halftime after a 12-1 run in the second quarter, sparked by 3-pointers from Sydney Harris and Arianna Jackson. The Cyclones then pulled away in the third quarter, with Jada Williams scoring 12 of her team's 19 points in the period. However, Kansas State fought back and cut the deficit to just one point in the final minute before Kenzie Hare hit a clutch 3-pointer to give Iowa State some breathing room. Crooks and Williams combined to score 24 straight points for the Cyclones during a stretch in the third and fourth quarters.
- The game was played on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
- Iowa State led by as many as 13 points during the game.
The players
Jada Williams
The Iowa State point guard scored a team-high 22 points, dished out 9 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds.
Audi Crooks
The Iowa State forward scored 20 points to complement Williams' performance.
Kenzie Hare
The Iowa State guard hit a crucial 3-pointer in the final minute to help the Cyclones hold off Kansas State.
Arianna Jackson
The Iowa State forward finished with 11 points, including a 3-pointer during the Cyclones' second quarter run.
Sydney Harris
The Iowa State guard hit a 3-pointer during Iowa State's second quarter surge.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
The takeaway
This close victory over Kansas State shows the resilience of the Iowa State women's basketball team, which has now won 20 games on the season. The Cyclones' ability to withstand a late rally and make key plays down the stretch will serve them well as they continue their push for a top-4 finish in the Big 12 and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
