The 12th-ranked Iowa State women’s basketball team used a drowsy Sunday afternoon as a wake-up call. They needed a boost of energy before defeating Mercyhurst 112–62 at Hilton Coliseum. However, the Cyclones didn’t appear to be an undefeated team for a short while. The rhythm that typically characterizes Bill Fennelly’s group felt oddly muted, shots rimmed out, and defensive rotations lagged. Iowa State only had a 26–24 lead after the first quarter, which left the players searching for answers and the fans muttering.
Freshman guard Reese Beaty, who came off the bench with an edge that instantly altered the tone of the game, was that spark. Not only was Beaty full of energy, but she was also unrelenting, attacking the basket, pushing the tempo, and diving after loose balls as if she were determined to change the afternoon’s mood. She scored nine of her eleven points in a 32–9 second-quarter outburst that destroyed the scoreboard and gave the Cyclones their typical swagger back.
After the game, Beaty stated, “When the ball ain’t going in, a lot of time, effort will help correct that,” with a level of casual confidence that is uncommon in a true freshman. “We just do everything the Iowa State way. Work hard at it. Follow the instructions. That seems to fit me in some way.
Iowa State appeared to be its refined, well-oiled self once the floodgates opened. Audi Crooks, a star center, dominated inside, shooting an incredible 8-for-9 from the field and finishing with 27 points. She effortlessly drew double-teams while still managing to score through deft footwork or sheer strength. Arianna Jackson scored 12 points on effective 4-of-6 long-range shooting to provide perimeter balance. With 11 points apiece from Addy Brown, Beaty, and Sydney Harris, ISU’s balanced attack overpowered the inferior Lakers.
Fennelly was quick to point out what set this performance apart from the kind of slow victories that coaches frequently worry about, even though he didn’t appear surprised by the outcome. This season, Iowa State has bite in addition to talent. It is competitive. And that’s new, he said.
Fennelly clarified, “We have incredibly talented people, but we have lacked an edge to us.” “A competitive advantage that matters when things are bad, and things got a little crazy there for a while.” The individuals you mentioned are competitive and have a great ability to recognize when we need them to be that person.
That edge is derived from multiple sources. The kind of tough, all-out play that energizes a bench and boosts a starting lineup comes naturally to Beaty. Brown, Jackson, and transfer point guard Jada Williams all contribute their own competitive fire, seemingly increasing the team’s intensity without compromising poise. Fennelly, who has witnessed many talented teams struggle to find that intangible toughness, is pleasantly surprised by this blend. I He continued, “They care about their teammates, and they’re not that way all the time.” “But I believe that our team will benefit in the long run from the advantage we can play with.”
That long run might be put to the test very soon. Later this week, Iowa State’s schedule becomes much more rigid as the Cyclones travel to Fort Myers, Florida, to play a formidable Marquette team in the Coconut Hoops Tournament. With a 4-1 record, Marquette poses a significant challenge to Mercyhurst, and Fennelly is aware that his team won’t be able to breeze through the first quarter this time. Fennelly acknowledged the difficulty ahead as well as the quick development he anticipates from his players when he said, “I don’t know if we’re ready, but we need to be ready.”
However, a team that can recognize its own shortcomings in real time, make quick corrections, and transform a disappointing start into a dominant performance is comforting. That indicates a team with real potential to not only win games but also develop steadily over the course of the season.
Additionally, the Cyclones may discover that their ceiling is even higher than it appeared during the first few weeks of the season if Beaty’s energy from Sunday becomes a consistent part of Iowa State’s identity. The current record is 7-0. The self-assurance is growing. The toughness is starting to show. And Iowa State is going to Florida with a lot of momentum and a reminder that sometimes all it takes is one spark to turn a lackluster performance into a decisive victory.
