Full Breakdown
Audi Crooks' Injury and Iowa State's Dominant Win Over Northern Iowa
12/15/2025, 9:49:23 PM
Overview of the Core Event
Iowa State University’s women’s basketball team, ranked No. 10, achieved an 81-53 victory against Northern Iowa on December 14, 2025, while star center Audi Crooks missed the game due to a head injury sustained earlier in the week. The Cyclones are optimistic about her return for their upcoming Big 12 opener against Kansas on December 21.
Audi Crooks' Injury Details
Audi Crooks, the leading scorer in Division I women’s basketball, suffered a head injury during Iowa State's 74-69 win over No. 11 Iowa on December 10. Coach Bill Fennelly confirmed that Crooks was eager to play against Northern Iowa but prioritized her health, stating, “She’s still mad at me because we didn’t play her but we’re not doing that.” Crooks is currently in return-to-play protocol, with expectations to complete it early in the week leading up to the Kansas game.
Performance in Crooks' Absence
In Crooks' absence, junior Addy Brown excelled, scoring a season-high 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Brown's performance was pivotal, as she contributed significantly to the Cyclones' dominant win, helping them maintain a perfect nonconference record of 12-0. Alisa Williams also stepped up, scoring 11 points on perfect shooting, while Jada Williams added 10 points and eight assists.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Fennelly expressed optimism regarding Crooks' recovery, emphasizing the importance of following medical protocols: “Every day is different... We’ll probably know by the end of the week.” He highlighted the team's depth, noting that while they can win without Crooks, her presence is crucial for their championship aspirations.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the team's success, some critics argue that relying on depth may not be sufficient in high-stakes conference play. Northern Iowa's head coach Tanya Warren acknowledged Iowa State's improvements but noted the challenges they may face without Crooks: “They’re a much better team than they were a year ago... Audi’s a lot better, Brown’s a lot better — if that’s possible.”
What's Next for Iowa State
Iowa State will face Kansas on December 21, marking the beginning of their Big 12 season. The outcome of Crooks' return-to-play protocol will be crucial for the Cyclones as they aim to build on their strong start and compete for the conference title.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She’s still mad at me because we didn’t play her but we’re not doing that.” — Bill Fennelly, Iowa State Women’s Basketball Head Coach
- “So we’ll probably know by the end of the week.” — Bill Fennelly, Iowa State Women’s Basketball Head Coach
- “Audi’s a lot better, Brown’s a lot better — if that’s possible.” — Tanya Warren, Northern Iowa Head Coach
Iowa State's performance against Northern Iowa showcased their resilience and depth, setting the stage for an exciting start to the Big 12 season, contingent on Crooks' health and readiness to return to the court.
