Iowa State’s Crooks robs Iowa 74-69 in Jimmy V Classic
By NORAL PARHAM
In a clash of undefeated titans that lived up to its billing as the premier matchup of the Jimmy V Women’s Classic, the No. 10 Iowa State Cyclones outlasted the No. 11 Iowa Hawkeyes 74-69 Dec. 10 at a sold-out Hilton Coliseum in Ames, IA.
Behind a thunderous performance from junior center Audi Crooks, who poured in over 30 points for the third time this season, the Cyclones (11-0) handed their in-state rivals their first loss of the 2025-26 campaign. The victory not only cemented Iowa State’s dominance in the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series but also snapped the Hawkeyes’ recent stranglehold on the rivalry, marking a pivotal moment for a program looking to turn Hilton Coliseum back into an impregnable fortress.
The 6-foot-3 center was the unequivocal engine for Iowa State, entering the night as the nation’s leading scorer and exiting it as the undisputed queen of the court. In a highly anticipated showdown with Iowa forward Hannah Stuelke, Crooks proved too much to handle in the paint. She bullied her way to and-one buckets, cleaned the glass on both ends and anchored a defense that stifled Iowa’s usually potent attack.
The game’s defining moment came late in the fourth quarter with the outcome still hanging in the balance. With Iowa trailing by two possessions, Stuelke drove the lane looking to spark a rally. Instead, she was met at the rim by Crooks, who swatted the shot away, sending the capacity crowd of 14,384 into a deafening frenzy. Despite Iowa’s 26-12 late run, the defensive stand effectively sealed the win.
Despite the electrifying atmosphere, the game was often a gritty, defensive grind, marred by uncharacteristic shooting woes from the charity stripe. Both teams struggled mightily from the free-throw line, shooting roughly 50 percent — a statistical anomaly that kept the score tight in the latter half.
Iowa (9-1) fought valiantly to claw back from a double-digit deficit in the second half. However, without their usual rhythm and struggling to contain Crooks without fouling, the Hawkeyes couldn’t find the late-game magic that has defined their recent seasons. Stuelke, tasked with guarding Crooks, fought hard but found herself in foul trouble and unable to find her offensive flow against the Cyclones’ physical interior defense.
Parham is the owner of Horsemen Sports Media. He is also the Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder.
For more new Black and Ball, click here.
