WBB: Cyclones close non-conference home schedule undefeated

The following is a press release from Iowa State Athletic Communications.

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State women’s basketball team (10-2, 0-0 Big 12) defeated Bucknell (9-3, 0-0 PL), 86-61 to wrap up its non-conference slate.

It was a team effort for Bill Fennelly’s squad as all 12 Cyclones that dressed saw action and five turned in double-figure scoring performances in Bridget Carleton (19), Ines Nezerwa (18), Madison Wise (12), Alexa Middleton (11) and Ashley Joens (10).

How It Happened
The Cyclones shook off a slow start in the first quarter where they only shot 5-13 from the field and turned the ball over six times. At the first quarter break, ISU lead Bucknell 17-15.

In the second quarter, Iowa State got hot. The Cyclones connected on 11-18 attempts from the field, including 4-7 from deep. The ISU defense was stifling in the second stanza. Iowa State finished the half on a 19-0 run, holding the Bison scoreless in the final five minutes of the half and held a 45-21 advantage at the break. Bucknell shot just 2-16 in the second quarter.

Iowa State continued to score the basketball with ease in the second half. The connected on 13-25 second-half attempts and finished the game shooting over 50 percent, tallying a total of 29-57. Despite only hitting 6-20 attempts from three, ISU drained 22-24 free throws as a team.

The Cyclones held Bucknell to 20-70 shooting as a team in the contest and forced 14 turnovers. ISU outrebounded the Bison 46-36, as well.

Players of Note
Bridget Carleton poured in a game-high 19 points in the Cyclone win. She finished just shy of a double-double, hauling in eight rebounds.  She dished out two assists and tallied a steal and a block.

Ines Nezerwa socred a career-high 18 points. She was a big spark in Iowa State’s run in the second quarter. It was an efficient performance for Nezerwa as well, as she connected on 6-7 field goals and 6-7 free throw attempts. The Burundi native also added a career-high eight rebounds to her stat line.

Team Notes
*ISU extended its NCAA-record streak to 747 consecutive games with a three-pointer.
*Iowa State is 9-0 when leading at the half.
*Iowa State is now 1-0 against Bucknell all-time.
*Iowa State is now 8-0 when outrebounding its opponent.
*Iowa State netted over 50 percent from the floor for the third time this season.
*ISU netted over 90 percent from the free-throw line for the third time this season.
*Iowa State placed five in double figures for just the second time this season.

Up Next
Iowa State turns its attention to Big 12 Conference play. The Cyclones will host Kansas State on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 6:30 p.m. That game will be televised on Cyclones.TV.