The following is a press release courtesy of Iowa State athletics communications.
FARGO, N.D. – Iowa State’s Ashley Joens tallied a 26-point, 14-rebound double-double to help lead the Cyclones (3-1) past North Dakota State (0-5), 86-58, on Friday night at the Scheels Center. Junior guard Rae Johnson was also outstanding, putting up a career-high 16 points on an efficient shooting night, knocking down 6-of-8 from the field, including 4-of-6 on 3-point attempts.
How It Happened
The duo of Johnson and Kristin Scott carried the load offensively in the early going, combining for 17 of Iowa State’s 18 first-quarter points. The Cyclones jumped out to an 18-11 advantage after 10 minutes of play with Scott and Johnson combining to go 7-of-12 from the field, including 3-of-5 from 3-point territory.
The ISU momentum continued early in the second period, as Johnson and Joens knocked down back-to-back triples to help push Iowa State to its largest lead of the first half at 30-17 with 6:03 remaining.
The Bison responded with an 8-0 run of their own, but the Cyclones curbed the momentum by earning trips to the free throw line late in the half. Iowa State went 8-of-8 at the charity stripe over the final 3:43 of the first half, extending the lead back to 44-32 at the intermission. Scott and Johnson scored 11 each in the opening 20 minutes, followed by Joens with 10.
Joens continued to surge in the second half, scoring eight of ISU’s 17 points in the third quarter. The Cyclone defensive effort was also exceptional in the third period, holding NDSU to 4-of-15 from the field while forcing five Bison turnovers as the lead grew to 61-42 with 10 minutes to play.
Iowa State knocked down four of its seven attempts from beyond the 3-point line the final quarter, and Joens tallied eight more points as the Cyclone lead ballooned. Iowa State also continued to own the glass, out-rebounding the Bison 51-27 on the night.
Players of Note
Ashley Joens, one game after notching the first 30-point, 20-rebound game in program history, tallied her fourth career double-double with 26 points and 14 boards against the Bison. Joens pulled down four offensive rebounds and knocked down 8-of-9 at the free throw line.
Rae Johnson’s career-high 16 points came with devastating efficiency, as the native of Albertville, Minn., attempted just eight field goals on the night. Johnson also tied for the team lead with four assists in 23 minutes of action.
Up Next
The Cyclones return home to take on Arkansas Pine-Bluff on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum. The game will be broadcast live on Cyclones.tv.
