Iowa State women’s basketball vs. Kansas State preview: 3 things to watch for Cyclones

[ad_1]

AMES – The Kansas State women’s basketball team is without one of its biggest stars, with post player Ayoka Lee dealing with an injury.

But the Wildcats (19-2, 7-1 Big 12) will still have one of their best players when they take on Iowa State women’s basketball.

Slowing down Serena Sundell may be the most important thing for the Cyclones (15-7, 6-3 Big 12) when they try to knock off No. 11 Kansas State at Bramlage Coliseum on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. CT.

“I don’t think there’s any question that Sundell will be one of the finalists for player of the league in our league,” said Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly. “I’m a huge fan of her. She’s going to be a great pro.”

Sundell has turned into one of the best players in the Big 12 Conference over the last few seasons. The senior was a preseason All-Big 12 pick and has lived up to the hype.

Through the first 21 games this season, she’s ranked first in the Big 12 in assists (7.3 per game) and second in assist/turnover ratio (2.7). She’s also averaging 13 points per game.

With Lee now missing time, even more attention will focus on the 6-foot-2 Sundell to handle everything for the Wildcats.

“You can’t have just one person guard her,” Fennelly said. “You have to pick your spots and because they shoot the 3 so well, it’s hard to double-team her.”

Here are three other things to watch in Thursday’s game:

More: Iowa State women’s basketball: ESPN’s Charlie Creme thinks Cyclones can get off the bubble

This could be another big opportunity for Audi Crooks

Kansas State is finding out that life without Lee, who dealing with a foot injury, can be very difficult.

The Wildcats were upset by Colorado on Saturday and outscored 40-26 in the paint during their first game without Lee. Kansas State turned it over 15 times in what marked its first Big 12 loss of the season.

Things won’t get any easier when Iowa State and sophomore star Audi Crooks roll into town. Crooks held her own against Lee last year and won’t have the All-American to battle…

[ad_2]
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/iowa-state-womens-basketball-vs-203618918.html

Author : The Des Moines Register

Publish date : 2025-01-29 20:36:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.