AMES — For the first time since 2017, Iowa State (12-14, 6-9) won on its home floor, putting away the Texas Tech Lady Raiders (7-19, 1-14) 69-57 on Saturday afternoon.
It was a special afternoon for Bridget Carleton — and not just because she dropped in a game-high 25 points. The Ontario native had 42 friends and family travel down to watch her play.
“It’s amazing, just the fact that 40 of them got on a bus to come down, all of whom have had an impact on my life,” Carleton said. “I think it’s really cool that they were all together, experiencing where I’ve been for three years, and I’m glad we pulled out a win and played well.”
Head Coach Bill Fennelly joked that regardless of the family being in attendance, Iowa State was going to rely on Carleton.
“I don’t care if the Canadians are in town or not, we’re going to dial plays up for Bridget,” Fennelly told the media with a smile on his face. “It’s nice that those folks came down and watched her play because they’re a huge part of what she’s about. She’s so proud to be a Canadian and to represent her country, friends, and family.”
In a game where Iowa State shot an abysmal 7-for-38 from behind the arc, Coach Fennelly had to lean on the scoring of Carleton and Emily Durr more than ever. Durr added 20 points and five assists, showing more of that chemistry that the two have developed as the season has progressed.
Taking care of the basketball was the difference in this game, one in which the Lady Raiders turned it over 19 times, compared to a season-low six for the Cyclones. Iowa State capitalized, scoring 15 points off Texas Tech turnovers.
Nearing the two minute mark in the fourth quarter, Texas Tech went on a quick 8-0 run to cut the lead to single digits. Fennelly opted to not use one of his timeouts, letting his young team play through it.
“I just wanted to see how we handled it, sometimes we have to learn on the fly, [and] I wanted them to play through it,” said Fennelly, whose team has won back-to-back conference games for the first time this season.
Final Notes
– ISU allowed a season-low 0 points off turnovers
– ISU committed a season-low 6 turnovers
– ISU earned its first season sweep of Texas Tech since 2014
