Iowa State Holds Off Utah, Wins Fifth Straight

Cyclones use big third quarter to defeat Utes 79-72

Feb. 8, 2026 at 9:47am

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The Iowa State Cyclones defeated the Utah Utes 79-72 in a women's college basketball game on Saturday night. Iowa State used a dominant 30-18 third quarter to pull away for the victory, their fifth straight win. Audi Crooks led the Cyclones with a game-high 26 points, while Jada Williams, Arianna Jackson, and Sydney Harris also scored in double figures.

Why it matters

This win extends Iowa State's winning streak to five games and keeps them in the hunt for a top spot in the Big 12 Conference standings. Utah was looking to pull off an upset at home, but the Cyclones' strong third quarter proved to be the difference.

The details

Iowa State shot 45.9% from the field, 41.7% from three-point range, and 72.2% from the free throw line. The Cyclones' bench contributed 23 points, while Utah's bench only scored 14. After leading 33-27 at halftime, Iowa State opened the third quarter on an 8-0 run to take a 12-point lead. The Utes made a late push in the fourth quarter but could not overcome the Cyclones' advantage.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • Iowa State led 33-27 at halftime.
  • Iowa State opened the third quarter on an 8-0 run to take a 41-29 lead.
  • Iowa State extended their lead to 19 points (54-35) with 4:54 left in the third quarter.
  • Utah made a late 5-0 run in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 6 points (78-72) with 9 seconds remaining.

The players

Audi Crooks

The leading scorer for Iowa State, Crooks finished with a game-high 26 points.

Jada Williams

An Iowa State player who scored 14 points and made two three-pointers.

Arianna Jackson

An Iowa State player who scored 12 points and made four three-pointers.

Sydney Harris

An Iowa State player who scored 12 points and made four three-pointers.

Maty Wilke

A Utah player who hit a three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 6 points.

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What’s next

Iowa State faces BYU on Tuesday, February 11, 2026. The game tips off at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

The takeaway

Iowa State's balanced scoring attack and strong third quarter performance proved to be the difference in this game. The Cyclones' ability to hit three-pointers and get contributions from their bench were key factors in their fifth straight victory.