It’s been a long, long time since Iowa State women’s basketball failed to make a 3-point shot in a game.
The Cyclones defeated Texas Tech 71-58 on Tuesday night, however, they had their NCAA record of 945 consecutive games with a 3-pointer end at Hilton Coliseum, as they shot 0 for 7 from 3-point range in the win. It was the first time Iowa State didn’t make a 3-pointer under coach Bill Fennelly, who took over the program in 1996.
The last game Iowa State didn’t make a 3-pointer was Feb. 19, 1995, against Colorado, under former coach Theresa Becker. The Big 12 had not been formed yet.
‘We only shot seven of them, so we really didn’t care,’ Fennelly said postgame of the Cyclones’ streak. ‘If we were really worried about (the record) we probably would have run about 15 more plays to get one.
‘I get it’s a big deal to some people, and it’s a big deal to us. I’m proud the streak was there. But it’s just like a kid getting a triple-double. I’m not leaving them in the game just to get stats. We ran two plays to get a 3, and both were in the first half.’
Iowa State’s offense also runs through center Audi Crooks, who is dominant in the low post. The 6-foot-3 sophomore is averaging 22.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game on 60.2% shooting, and she poured in 28 points on Tuesday. The Cyclones’ other forward, Addy Brown, added 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists against the Red Raiders.
Iowa State ranks third in the Big 12 in made 3-pointers this season with 151, behind TCU’s leading 177 makes. The 3-point shot, which has revolutionized basketball the past few decades, played a large role in Fennelly’s rebuild of the team over the years. Fennelly has won three conference tournament championships and has turned the Cyclones into a NCAA tournament mainstay.
Altogether, Iowa State has made 22 NCAA tournament appearances, all of which have come during Fennelly’s tenure. It appears this version of the Cyclones, though, might be able to get there by scoring in different ways this season.