For just over three quarters, it looked like March Madness may have caught up to the No. 3 seed Iowa State women’s basketball team.
Although it waivered early, trailing by eight after the first quarter, the Cyclones powered to a 78-71, NCAA Tournament win.
Ashley Joens finished the game with a team-high 36 points and 15 rebounds, but it was point guard Emily Ryan that led the fourth-quarter comeback.
In the final 10 minutes, Ryan collected 11 points including a pair of 3-pointers that helped push Iowa State ahead. She finished with 20.
Lexi Donarski added 14 points on the night, as well.
This is the third-straight time that the Cyclones have advanced to the round of 32 at the NCAA Tournament.
Iowa State will take on No. 6 Georgia on Sunday at Hilton Coliseum with a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line. A tipoff time or TV selection has not yet been announced.
