WBB: Carlton scores 31 in important victory over Drake

The following is a press release and above photo are courtesy of Iowa State athletics communications. 

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State battled back from an early double-digit deficit to take down Drake, 86-81, on Sunday afternoon at Hilton Coliseum. Senior Bridget Carleton scored 18 of her 31 points in the second half to lead the resurgent Cyclones. Iowa State improves to 8-2 with the win, while Drake falls to 8-3.

Carleton was joined in double figures by Ashley Joens (16), Kristin Scott (11) and Madison Wise(10).

How It Happened
Drake jumped out to an early lead thanks to a blistering start from beyond the 3-point arc. The Bulldogs knocked down 7-of-15 from 3-point territory in the first quarter alone, and used a 9-0 run to lead 14-4 less than five minutes into the game. The Cyclones responded with a 7-0 spurt of their own, but struggled to contain Drake’s shooters, as the Bulldogs would lead 27-19 after 10 minutes of play.

Iowa State adjusted and played excellent defense to turn the tide in the second stanza. Kristen Scott scored ISU’s first seven points as the Cyclones began to chip away at the deficit. Bridget Carleton then keyed a 9-0 run in the closing minutes of the half, as Iowa State took its first lead of the night. Carleton knocked down a jumper at the buzzer to send the Cyclones into the locker room with a 44-41 advantage. ISU held Drake to just 1-of-3 on 3-point attempts in the second quarter.

Carleton continued to be the catalyst for Iowa State after the intermission, helping extend the Cyclone lead to 66-59 at the end of the third quarter. The senior scored 13 of Iowa State’s 22 points in the period, including the final six.

Ashley Joens came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring Iowa State’s first eight points, including 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions. The Bulldogs cut the deficit to just four with 6:41 to play, but Joens responded with a layup, followed by a Madison Wise triple.

The Bulldogs put together an 11-0 run to tie the game with just 1:24 to play, but senior Meredith Burkhallscored in the post, and Madison Wise drew an offensive foul on Drake’s ensuing possession. Bridget Carleton then converted on a drive to the basket at the end of the shot clock to put Iowa State ahead 83-79 with 21 seconds remaining to help seal the victory.

Players of Note
Bridget Carleton was phenomenal once again for the Cyclones, scoring a game-high 31 points on 11-of-22 shooting. Carleton also led Iowa State in rebounds (8) and steals (4). She tied the team high with four assists.

Ashley Joens had an ultra-efficient 16-point outing, knocking down 7-of-8 attempts from the field. The freshman came up huge, knocking down a pair 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help stave off a Bulldog rally.

Up Next
Iowa State returns to Hilton Coliseum on Wednesday to take on Prairie View A&M at 6:30 p.m. The game will be televised by Cyclones.tv