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Arizona State Upsets Iowa State, Keeps NCAA Tournament Hopes Alive
The Sun Devils' victory over the Cyclones in the Big 12 tournament could be a key step toward an at-large bid.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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The Arizona State Sun Devils (24-9, 9-9) secured a 77-68 upset victory over the seventh-seeded Iowa State Cyclones (22-9, 10-8) in the second round of the Big 12 women's basketball tournament. The win could be a crucial step for the Sun Devils in locking down an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, as they entered the game on the bubble. Arizona State won the game with strong defensive play in the first quarter and an offensive outburst in the third quarter, with five players scoring in double figures.
Why it matters
Arizona State was on the outside looking in of the NCAA Tournament field heading into this game, so the upset victory over a higher-seeded Iowa State squad could be a major boost to their tournament resume. The Sun Devils now have a chance to further strengthen their case with a rematch against second-seeded West Virginia in the tournament quarterfinals.
The details
Arizona State won the game by dominating the first and third quarters. They held Iowa State to just 9 points in the first quarter and then erupted for 27 points in the third quarter to build a 16-point lead. Gabby Elliott led the Sun Devils with 22 points, while Heloisa Carrera, McKinna Brackens, and Last-Tear Poa also reached double figures. Arizona State shot the ball efficiently, making 46% of their 3-pointers and 82% of their free throws, while Iowa State struggled from beyond the arc at just 19%.
- The game was played on Thursday, March 6, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri.
- Arizona State and Iowa State had previously played on February 18, 2026, with Iowa State winning by 26 points.
The players
Gabby Elliott
An Arizona State player who led the team with 22 points in the win over Iowa State.
Heloisa Carrera
An Arizona State player who scored in double figures in the victory.
McKinna Brackens
An Arizona State player who scored in double figures in the win.
Last-Tear Poa
An Arizona State player who scored in double figures in the game.
Audi Crooks
An Iowa State player who is one of the leading scorers in college basketball.
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)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
Arizona State will face off against second-seeded West Virginia in the Big 12 tournament quarterfinals on Friday, March 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM MST. The winner of that game will advance to the tournament semifinals.
The takeaway
Arizona State's upset victory over Iowa State has kept their NCAA Tournament hopes alive, and they now have a chance to further strengthen their resume with a win over West Virginia. This game highlighted the Sun Devils' ability to win tough road games against higher-seeded opponents, which could be a key factor in the selection committee's decision.
