Greensboro (N.C.) — Iowa State (28-7, 14-4 Big 12) could not keep its magical, record-breaking season going as the Cyclones fell to Creighton (23-9, 15-5 BIG East) 76-68 Friday night in Greensboro Coliseum in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship Sweet Sixteen.
After an attritional first half that saw the teams knotted up at 30-30, the Cyclones were unable to find the stops on defense to continue their season, with the Bluejays hitting 55.2 percent (16-of-29) of their shots in the second half. The Cyclones were down as many as 13 in the final quarter before a late charge came up a few points short.
In defeat, Iowa State was led by Emily Ryan’s 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting, eight rebounds and six assists. She was one of four Cyclones in double figures, with Nyamer Diew posting a career-high 15 points and grabbing five rebounds. Ashley Joens had 14 points, while Lexi Donarski had 11.
Iowa State closes their season 28-7.