AMES, Iowa – Southern University Lady Jaguars battled early but couldn't overcome a hot-shooting #14 Iowa State team Wednesday evening inside Hilton Coliseum, falling 85–58.
Southern played the Cyclones evenly through the first 10 minutes, trailing just 16–14 after the opening quarter. But a cold-shooting second period — where the Jaguars hit just one of 14 shots — allowed Iowa State to take control with a 25–7 run and a 20-point halftime lead.
Despite the lopsided score, the Lady Jaguars showed fight in the second half, outpacing Iowa State 37–44 over the final 20 minutes. Zaria Hurston led Southern with 14 points and six boards, while Anaja Hall added 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Jocelyn Tate chipped in 11 points points, five boards and two steals.
As a team, Southern shot 31.7 percent (19-60) from the field, including 42.9 percent from behind the arc, and converted 17 of 25 free throws. The Jaguars forced 21 Iowa State tunrovers, but the Cyclones' rebounding advantage (44-27 and 38 points in the paint were too much to overcome.
"Iowa State is a very good basketball team and we knew this would be a tough environment to start the season," said Head Coach Carlos Funchess. "I'm proud of how our girls competed, especially in the second half. We saw a lot of things we can build on — rebounding, shot selection, and finishing around the rim. This was a good test for us early in the season."
| Category |
Southern |
Iowa State |
| Final Score |
58 |
85 |
| Field Goals |
19-60 (31.7%) |
33-58 (56.9%) |
| Three-Point FG |
3-7 (42.9%) |
5-17 (29.4%) |
| Free Throws |
17-25 (68.0%) |
14-19 (73.7%) |
| Rebounds |
27 |
44 |
| Turnovers |
15 |
21 |
| Points in the Paint |
18 |
38 |
| Second-Chance Points |
10 |
10 |
| Bench Points |
18 |
22 |
| Biggest Lead |
— |
32 |
| Attendance |
8,908 |
Keys to the Game
1. Dominance Inside the Paint
Iowa State's size and post play overwhelmed the Lady Jaguars. The Cyclones outscored Southern 38–18 in the paint and won the rebounding battle 44–27, led by Crooks and Brown combining for 27 rebounds.
2. Cold Second Quarter
After a competitive 16–14 first quarter, Southern went ice cold in the second — hitting just 1-of-4 from the field (7.1%). Iowa State capitalized with a 25–7 frame that broke the game open.
3. Ball Movement and Efficiency
The Cyclones tallied 20 assist on 33 made baskets, showing crisp offensive execution. Southern forced 21 turnovers but couldn't convert them consistently into points.
4. Positive Second-Half Response
Despite the deficit, the Lady Jaguars regrouped, shooting 44% after halftime. Hall and Hurston led a more aggressive effort that produced 37 second-half points.
5. Early Season Test
Facing a ranked Big 12 opponent on the road gave Southern an early barometer of where they stand. The Lady Jaguars showed resilience but will look to improve shot selection and rebounding before their next outing.
Next Up For The Jags
Southern will travel to Oxford, MS next to face Ole Miss on November 12th at 6 PM before returning home for their home opener on November 18th against Tougaloo College at 6 PM.
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