A promising first half spiraled for the Kansas State women versus an Iowa State team that’s starting to find its footing after a mid-season dip following a red-hot start to the season.
The Wildcats (15-16, 8-10 Big 12) used an excellent second quarter to lead by as much as six, but the Cyclones’ physicality down low was too much, led by a 41-point performance from star center Audi Crooks, to handle, as K-State fell 93-79 in Bramlage Coliseum Sunday afternoon.
With a win, K-State had a chance to earn a first-round bye in the Big 12 Tournament, but the loss forces the Wildcats into the opening game of the tournament Wednesday morning.
“We were in position to get (the bye),” head coach Jeff Mittie said. “It is what it is, right? We didn’t earn the bye. We had a chance, and now our opportunity is to play right away. So we’ve got to make the most of that.”
