DES MOINES, Iowa (Interstat) — The Iowa State women’s basketball team delivered a commanding in-state performance Thursday night, overwhelming the Drake Bulldogs from the opening tip and cruising to an 87-60 victory before a crowd of 4,026 at the Knapp Center.

The Cyclones, who improved to 6-0, established their dominance immediately with a blistering first quarter, outscoring the Bulldogs 25-5. The offensive onslaught continued in the second period as Iowa State built a 52-18 halftime lead, effectively putting the game out of reach by the break.

Drake, which fell to 1-3, showed a spark after halftime, winning the third quarter 29-16 behind a strong offensive push from Anna Becker and Maggie Taylor. However, the Cyclones steadied themselves in the final period, maintaining their large margin to close out the win.

Iowa State’s offensive efficiency was the story of the game. The Cyclones scored 87 points on 77 possessions, posting an offensive rating of 112.5. In contrast, Drake managed just 60 points on 75 possessions for an offensive rating of 80.1. The stark difference was amplified by three-point shooting; Iowa State connected on 11 of 27 attempts from beyond the arc, while Drake struggled immensely, making only 3 of 24.

The Cyclones also capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, making 20 of 26 attempts. Drake was efficient from the stripe, hitting 19 of 23, but could not overcome its poor shooting from the field, where it finished 19 of 61.

Iowa State’s defense was disruptive throughout, forcing 19 Drake turnovers while committing only 10. The Cyclones also recorded 11 steals.

Audi Crooks, a 6-foot-3 center from Algona, Iowa, led all scorers with 22 points for Iowa State. She added three assists and a block in 25 minutes of action.

She was one of five Cyclones to score in double figures, showcasing the team’s balanced attack. Addy Brown of Derby, Kansas, filled the stat sheet with 12 points, seven assists and two blocks. Arianna Jackson, a hometown product from Des Moines, contributed 12 points, while Jada Williams and Reagan Wilson each added 11. Sydney Harris also chipped in 11 points off the bench.

Drake was led by Anna Becker of Topeka, Kansas, who scored 22 points. Maggie Taylor of Rapid City, South Dakota, provided a significant contribution with 14 points and a block. Ava Hawthorne from Ames, Iowa, dished out three assists for the Bulldogs.

The game began with Iowa State seizing control, as Arianna Jackson hit a trio of three-pointers in the opening minutes, all assisted by Addy Brown, to ignite the early run from which Drake never recovered.

Iowa State’s victory extends its strong start to the season, which includes decisive wins over Norfolk State, Valparaiso, Sacred Heart, Southern, and the University of St. Thomas. Drake, meanwhile, looks to rebound from a challenging early schedule that featured a loss to Iowa and a narrow defeat to Creighton.

The Cyclones are scheduled to host Mercyhurst on Sunday. Drake’s next contest is on the road against Arkansas next Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee.