Iowa State women’s basketball: 13th-ranked Cyclones lose again at home, fall to West Virginia 73-59

Iowa State’s offense rebounded in the second half against West Virginia on Wednesday night, but it was not enough after a dismal start doomed the women’s basketball team to their second consecutive loss at Hilton Coliseum.

Mar 11, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Baylor Bears guard Jordan Madden (3) battles for the ball against Iowa State Cyclones forward Hallie Christofferson (5) during the second half of the championship game for the Big 12 Conference tournament at American Airlines Center. Baylor Bears won 75-47. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

The Cyclones (14-2, 3-2) started off 0-12 from 3-point range in the first half. Only Jadda Buckley and Brynn Williamson made 3-point shots for Iowa State and the team overall finished at a horrendous 2-20 from the perimeter.

Hallie Christofferson missed both 3-point attempts, but she made 9-of-10 inside the arc and hit all three free throws to lead the team with 21 points and added five rebounds. Buckley had 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting and made all six free throws.

West Virginia led 36-23 at the half after going 7-of-18 from 3-point range. They took just 11 shots inside but it led to a +21 difference scoring outside of the perimeter for the half. Overall, the team finished at 40 percent from the arch.

The Mountaineers (15-2, 4-1) had three different players make three 3-point shots: Christal Caldwell, Linda Stepney, and Bria Holmes. Interestingly, all three of them made just more shot inside while missing a combined 20 shots.

Stepney had an all-around great game, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists for West Virginia.

The Iowa State women will try to end their losing streak on the road at Kansas State this Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM Central time.