Iowa State center Audi Crooks, the standout scorer in Division I women’s basketball, missed the team’s 81-53 win against Northern Iowa due to an injury. The school hasn’t shared the full details but confirmed she hurt her head during Wednesday’s matchup against No. 11 Iowa.
Coach Bill Fennelly expressed hope that Crooks would return when the No. 10 Cyclones start their Big 12 season against Kansas next Sunday. The latest update suggested she would wrap up her return-to-play protocol early this week. Her performance before the injury was impressive—she scored 30 points against Iowa and is averaging 27.8 points with a remarkable shooting percentage of 72.2%.
In Crooks’ absence, junior Addy Brown stepped up, scoring 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Last season, Iowa State lost to both Northern Iowa and Iowa, making their current 12-0 nonconference record even more notable.
In recent years, the attention on women’s college basketball has grown significantly. A survey conducted by the NCAA showed that viewership for women’s games increased by 35% last season compared to the previous year. Fans are eager to see how teams like Iowa State will perform as they move deeper into the season, especially with key players like Crooks returning to the court.
As the landscape of women’s sports evolves, many experts believe the increasing investment and interest will lead to more exciting games and rivalries. The momentum is definitely on the side of women’s basketball, and the impact of players like Crooks is a significant part of that narrative.
For more insights on women’s college basketball, visit the NCAA’s official page here.
