Iowa State Women’s Basketball: Cyclones Defeat Gonzaga Bulldogs 72-60
By Brian Spaen
Mar 23, 2013; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs center Stephanie Golden (30) get the rebound against Iowa State Cyclones center Anna Prins (55). Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
After a couple years of one-and-done in the NCAA Tournament, the Iowa State women finally get a first-round victory in hostile territory despite being careless with the basketball early on.
The fifth-seeded Cyclones overcame 21 turnovers to grab a victory over the Gonzaga Bulldogs at their home court in Spokane, Washington. It was in large part thanks to Gonzaga’s poor shooting and ISU only committing three turnovers in the final 12 minutes of the game.
Iowa State was able to pull away late in the game and took 60-48 before Gonzaga made it as close as 62-55 with under four minutes to play. Since they were turning the ball over less, Gonzaga didn’t have as many opportunities to score. Iowa State eventually won the game hitting their free throws, going 17-18 from the charity stripe.
The majority of turnovers were forced with the Bulldogs having an impressive 14 steals, but a lackluster day on the field overall hitting just 32.4 percent on their shots. Gonzaga took 27 more shots than Iowa State, but both teams made 23 field goals
Chelsea Poppens led the Cyclones with 19 points, and Hallie Christofferson had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Brynn Williamson went 5-12 from the field, all taken from 3-point range, and finished with 17 points. Taelor Karr led the Bulldogs with 15 points. Haiden Palmer had an interesting double-double with 14 points and 10 steals.
Iowa State will play Monday night against the winner of the (4)Georgia-(13)Montana game. Tipoff will be approximately 8:30 PM CT and will be televised on ESPN2.