(PHOTO): The Iowa State women’s basketball team celebrates as forward Alisa Williams secures a double-double in 14 minutes during the game vs. Norfolk State at Hilton Coliseum, Ames, Iowa, Nov. 16, 2025. (Photo: August Anderson)

Aleigha Bailey, Sports Reporter | Iowa State Daily

Between two double-doubles and the first triple-double in 11 years at Iowa State, the collective explosion of connection drove the Cyclones to a thrilling 98-52 victory over the Spartans.

Thriving with threes

As the first half concluded with a 53-25 lead for Iowa State, a key part of that lead was 3-pointers. With 10 first-half 3-pointers, the Cyclones scored 56% from beyond the arc.

Among the 30 points dropped, four Iowa State players found themselves a part of the thrilling 3-point spree.

The leading 3-point scorer for Iowa State was tied between two junior guards, Arianna Jackson and Kenzie Hare, who both dropped three 3-pointers each.

On the other side of the court, that connection dulled down as the Spartans went 2-for-7 on 3-point opportunities. Despite the setback with 3 pointers, two junior guards dropped one three apiece.

Cire Worley and Anjanae Richardson set Norfolk State up to average one three per quarter.

With nearly half of Iowa State’s third-quarter points coming from in the paint, the slowdown of 3-pointers began, but with two in the quarter, it still counted for 25% of the team’s scoring.

A similar story was presented as Norfolk State dropped one in the third quarter.

As the final buzzer hit, the dominant first-half 3-point frenzy began Iowa State’s journey to an overwhelming victory.

Defensive rebounds dominate 

A collective strength for both teams was staying aggressive and being pesky low-post presences. 

In the first quarter, the Spartans tallied all six of their rebounds on the defensive end of the hoop. 

The second quarter would become an offensive rebound focus, as the team had five offensive rebounds and four defensive. Despite the offensive rebound push for Norfolk State, only one basket was scored on second-chance opportunities. 

Throughout the first half, the Cyclones had an overwhelming 18 defensive rebounds, and with the heightened defensive edge, they held the Spartans to 14 points.

Carrying on to the second half, the defensive rebounds continued to play key roles in both teams’ games, as the Spartans put up 12 second-half rebounds, nine of which were defensive. The Cyclones, on the other hand, had an aggressive defensive play, allowing the team to earn 16 of 29 rebounds in Norfolk State’s territory.

With 12 rebounds, redshirt junior guard Alisa Williams led Iowa State in rebounds and secured her first double-double of her career.

As Williams hit a historic personal record, the energy between Hilton and her teammates, as well as the fans, erupted in honor of an electric game.

“It basically made my day, it just reminded me why I came here to Iowa State,” Williams said. “It’s literally the people, the fans, like that’s not going to be my typical night every night, but to know that they care, that happened to me today, just makes me realize like they love me as much as I love them.” 

Hilton Magic sparks unforgettable moments

Over the five-game home streak to open the 2025-26 season, countless records have been broken by various Cyclones. In this dominant victory over the Spartans, four Iowa State players etched their names into school history.

As the pregame preparation began with a celebration of junior forward Addy Brown for her 1,000th career point, her performance in this game added another accolade to Brown’s collection.

With 11 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, Brown earned her first collegiate triple-double and the fourth in school history. As Brown nearly hit a triple-double last season against Kansas in her home state, the joy of getting it done at Hilton quenched a sense of bitterness.

“Everything happens for a reason, so it just happened a little bit later,” Brown said. “It was really cool to celebrate it in the Hilton with the best fans.”

Similar to Brown, Williams secured her first double-double with 12 rebounds and 10 points. Junior center Audi Crooks also secured a double-double as she scored 19 points and 10 rebounds. 

As the accolades continue, they begin to point towards a team full of dedication and excellence. 

Two other Cyclones put up personal bests; junior guards Jada Williams and Sydney Harris put up career bests that look to mark just the beginning of their legacies.

With eight points and assists, Williams earned her 750th point and her 200th assist. While Harris went 7-7 on free throws to earn a career high in free throws made. 

The sheer amount of success displayed during the game debuts a team full of exciting futures. 

“We’re in a really good spot, considering you know when the season starts,” Head Coach Bill Fennelly said. “There’s a lot of stuff that’s gonna happen, but as of right now, I don’t think we could be in a better position.”