Audi Crooks Scores 41 as Iowa State Defeats Kansas State 93-79 in Big 12 Statement Win

AMES — In the Big 12 regular season finale, Audi Crooks delivered a dominant 41 point performance to lead Iowa State to a 93-79 victory over Kansas State, reinforcing the Cyclones’ postseason outlook.

Iowa State shot 52 percent from the field and controlled the glass with a 48-24 rebounding advantage, producing one of its most complete offensive performances of the season. The Cyclones also converted 23 of 24 free throws for 96 percent, a critical efficiency marker entering tournament play.

Crooks was nearly unstoppable in the paint, finishing 16 of 19 from the field and 9 of 9 from the line while adding 13 rebounds. Her 41 points marked one of the highest individual scoring totals in program history in a conference matchup and underscored her expanding role within the offense.

Jada Williams added 23 points and nine assists, facilitating an attack that generated 22 total assists. Addy Brown contributed 14 rebounds and three blocks, anchoring interior defense despite a quiet scoring night.

Kansas State struggled to match Iowa State’s efficiency, shooting 37 percent from the field and 34 percent from 3 point range. Tess Heal led the Wildcats with 16 points, while Jordan Speiser added 17 points off the bench, including four 3 point shots. Gina Garcia recorded 14 points and 10 assists, but Kansas State’s 12 turnovers and limited second chance opportunities hindered sustained runs.

The statistical margin inside the arc proved decisive. Iowa State dominated offensive rebounds 11-6 and consistently converted high percentage looks through Crooks. Kansas State attempted 35 shots from 3 point range, but the volume did not offset Iowa State’s interior production and free throw advantage.

From a broader impact perspective, Iowa State’s offensive balance and rebounding dominance provide a clear blueprint for the Big 12 Tournament. Historically, teams that control rebounding margins by double digits in conference play often carry that physical edge into postseason success.

For Kansas State, perimeter efficiency remains a strength, but interior defense and rebounding depth will be focal points moving forward. Allowing 93 points and 52 percent shooting reflects defensive lapses that could prove costly in elimination settings.

The latest timeline positions Iowa State with momentum entering tournament competition, particularly given Crooks’ form. Performance consistency from Williams as a secondary scorer and distributor further stabilizes the Cyclones’ outlook.

Next steps: Both programs now shift focus to the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City, where seeding and matchups will determine advancement paths. Iowa State’s inside scoring presence and free throw efficiency place it among the conference’s most dangerous postseason contenders as March intensifies.