Iowa State Cyclones and Princeton Tigers Clash in First Four Showdown for NCAA Tournament Berth
The stage is set for a compelling First Four matchup in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament as the Iowa State Cyclones (22-11) prepare to face off against the Princeton Tigers (21-7) on Wednesday. The stakes are high, with the winner securing a coveted spot in the Round of 64 and a chance to continue their journey towards a national championship. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, and fans can catch all the action live on ESPNU.
Both teams enter the tournament hungry for a victory, having experienced recent setbacks in their respective conference tournaments. Iowa State suffered a 69-63 defeat to Baylor in their last outing on Friday, while Princeton fell short against Harvard in a close 70-67 contest, also on Friday. These losses will undoubtedly serve as motivation for both squads as they seek to regroup and make a statement in the national spotlight.
Iowa State, hailing from the formidable Big 12 Conference, boasts a potent offense led by the dynamic Audi Crooks. In their loss to Baylor, Crooks showcased her scoring prowess with an impressive 32-point performance, while also grabbing six rebounds. However, her lack of assists in that game highlights a potential area for improvement as the Cyclones look to enhance their offensive efficiency. The Cyclones have demonstrated their scoring ability throughout the season, averaging 77.1 points per game. Their recent form suggests they are capable of even more, as they have averaged 77.8 points per game in their last 10 contests. This slight uptick in scoring could be a crucial factor as they face a tough Princeton defense.
Princeton, representing the Ivy League, relies on a balanced attack and a disciplined approach. In their loss to Harvard, Skye Belker led the Tigers with a team-high 20 points. Princeton’s strength lies in their ability to control the tempo of the game and execute their offensive sets with precision. The Tigers have also shown an improvement in their scoring lately, averaging 68.8 points per game over their last 10 games, compared to their season average of 66.8 points per game. This increased offensive output could be a key element in their quest to upset Iowa State.
The matchup between Iowa State and Princeton presents an intriguing contrast in styles. Iowa State’s offense is built around Crooks’ dominant presence inside, while Princeton prefers to spread the floor and utilize their perimeter shooters. The Cyclones will likely try to establish Crooks early and often, looking to exploit her size and strength advantage in the paint. However, Princeton’s defense will aim to double-team Crooks and force her to pass the ball to her teammates. On the other hand, Princeton will attempt to move the ball quickly and create open looks for their shooters. Iowa State’s defense will need to be disciplined and rotate effectively to prevent the Tigers from getting easy baskets.
Beyond Crooks, Iowa State will need contributions from other players to support their star center. Guard Emily Ryan is a key playmaker for the Cyclones, known for her ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Forward Ashley Joens is another important piece of the puzzle, providing scoring and rebounding. For Princeton, Belker will need to replicate her performance against Harvard, and other players like Kaitlyn Chen and Ellie Mitchell will need to step up and make key plays.
The outcome of this game will likely hinge on which team can impose their will on the other. If Iowa State can control the paint and get consistent scoring from Crooks, they will be difficult to beat. However, if Princeton can dictate the tempo, limit Crooks’ touches, and knock down their perimeter shots, they have a chance to pull off the upset.
Both teams are well-coached and have a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Iowa State is led by head coach Bill Fennelly, who has been at the helm of the Cyclones program for over two decades. Princeton is coached by Carla Berube, who has transformed the Tigers into a consistent contender in the Ivy League. Both coaches will undoubtedly have their teams well-prepared for this crucial tournament game.
This First Four matchup is not only a battle for a spot in the Round of 64 but also a test of resilience and determination for both Iowa State and Princeton. Both teams have faced adversity this season, and they will need to draw on their experiences to overcome the challenges that await them in this tournament. Fans can expect a hard-fought and competitive game as these two teams leave it all on the court for a chance to advance in the NCAA Tournament.
For those looking to watch the game, streaming options are available through Fubo, providing access to ESPNU and ensuring that fans don’t miss a single moment of the action.
In conclusion, the Iowa State Cyclones and the Princeton Tigers are poised for a thrilling First Four encounter. With contrasting styles and a shared desire to advance, this matchup promises to be a captivating display of women’s college basketball. As the clock ticks down to tip-off, anticipation builds for what is sure to be a memorable game.
