Audi Crooks just made history for Iowa State. She scored 43 points in only 20 minutes during a 97-50 win over Valparaiso on Wednesday. This was the first time these teams faced off, and Crooks set a new program record. Despite feeling unwell and battling a stomach issue during the game, she chose to keep it to herself. “I’m not going to tell anybody that I’m not feeling good because then they’re not going to play me,” she remarked.
With 8:42 left in the game, she broke the previous record of 42 points set by Tonya Burns in 1984. Crooks was on fire, scoring the first six points of the final quarter to give her team a strong 73-42 lead before sitting out the rest of the game. Iowa State’s coach Bill Fennelly praised her positioning and skills, noting how challenging it is to defend against her.
In addition to her impressive scoring, Crooks grabbed seven rebounds and had one block. This performance extended her streak of scoring in double figures to 71 games—the longest active streak in NCAA women’s basketball. She shot an impressive 78.3% from the field, making 18 of her 23 attempts.
For context, the Cyclones are off to a fantastic start this season, averaging over 85 points per game while allowing an average of only 44.5 points to their opponents. Their offensive prowess is evident, as they’ve scored 85 points or more in every game so far.
On the supporting side, Addy Brown contributed 18 points and reached 1,000 career points. Jada Williams had a notable performance as well, achieving her first career double-double with 11 points and a career-high 10 assists. Milana Nenadic was the only standout for Valparaiso, putting up 20 points but unable to shift the game in their favor.
Fans on social media are buzzing about Crooks’s remarkable performance, with many calling it a “historic night” for Iowa State. As the season unfolds, her journey continues to captivate basketball enthusiasts, shining a spotlight on her talent and determination.
The game showcased not just individual prowess, but also the Cyclones’ collective strength. As they move forward, they aim to build on this momentum. The future looks bright for both Crooks and Iowa State as they strive for even greater achievements.
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