Iowa State Women Seek Positivity Amid Ongoing Losing Streak
The Iowa State women’s basketball team is currently facing a challenging situation as they aim for positivity amid a notable losing streak. Following a 68-62 defeat against Colorado on January 14, they have now dropped four consecutive games. The Cyclones are confronting the team’s longest losing streak in nearly a decade and seek to recapture their earlier success.
Iowa State Cyclones: Current Struggles and Injuries
Under the guidance of Coach Bill Fennelly, the team is determined to maintain a positive outlook. “If you’re not going to come in and put the work in with a positive attitude, then you shouldn’t be here,” Fennelly emphasized, motivating his players to commit fully. This encouragement came after a solid practice day on January 16, following a rare off-day.
After an impressive start to the season with a record of 14 straight wins, Iowa State has fallen to a 14-4 overall record and 2-4 in Big 12 play. The absence of key players has heavily impacted the team’s performance. Forward Addy Brown and guard Arianna Jackson are both sidelined due to injuries, creating significant gaps in the lineup.
Injury Impact on the Team
- Addy Brown: Out indefinitely due to a lower body injury.
- Arianna Jackson: Also out, recovering from a knee injury.
Both players have been instrumental to the team’s early success, and their absence has been felt during recent defeats against Baylor, Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Colorado. Coach Fennelly expressed concern over the team’s identity crisis due to the changes in their roster. “We’ve completely changed our team and obviously not in a very good way,” he remarked.
The Upcoming Challenge
The Cyclones will face a formidable opponent in Oklahoma State on January 18, known for their explosive offense. With an average of 87.9 points per game, Oklahoma State ranks first in the Big 12 for team free throw percentage at 77.3%. Five players score in double figures, creating a significant challenge for Iowa State’s defense.
Game Strategies
With the team struggling especially on defense, especially in the post, slowing down Oklahoma State will be crucial. The recent strategy adjustments include focusing on better ball movement and finding alternative scoring methods, particularly for standout player Audi Crooks, who has not performed at her usual level following the injuries.
Historical Context
This current four-game losing streak is the first for Iowa State since the 2017-18 season, signifying the urgency for a turnaround. In that year, the Cyclones also lost four games in a row and ended with a 14-17 season record. The last instance of a five-game losing streak occurred during the 2015-16 season, further emphasizing the need for the team to regain their footing quickly.
As the Iowa State women’s basketball team prepares for the obstacles ahead, maintaining positivity and commitment will be critical to overcoming their current challenges. The hope remains that through hard work and a positive mindset, the Cyclones can reverse their fortunes and get back to their winning ways.
