In-state rivals share a balanced series of blowouts

AMES -- Seize momentum.

Bolster it.

Engage cruise control.

In 17 of the past 20 Cy-Hawk Series women's basketball games between Iowa and Iowa State, that's been the formula for success.

Only three meetings in that span produced a single-digit outcome - a striking bit of trivia for two tradition-rich programs that meet again Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum.

The Cyclones stand 4-2. The Hawkeyes are 5-3.

“I think the home atmosphere really plays into it,” said ISU sophomore Hallie Christofferson, who did not attempt a field goal and scored four points in last season's 62-40 Iowa win. “Last year, their home crowd really got into the game and ‘Hilton Magic,' you know? I think that will really have a big impact.”

The home team has won the past four meetings by an average of 18.8 points. Blowouts abound - without concrete on-the-court explanation.

“I can only remember one close game,” Hawkeye Coach Lisa Bluder said. “This goes back to Jennie Lillis, Jo Solverson. Been a long time since we've had a close one there or they've had a close one here. Very strange how they've been such lopsided victories. I can't tell you why.”

ISU's coach, Bill Fennelly, saw the rebirth of the series in the second season of his 17-year tenure in Ames.

“When we first came here we didn't play Iowa,” he said. “Our big game was Drake - against coach Bluder.”

No one on either side's expecting a rout Wednesday. The Hawkeyes, led by Jaime Printy's 18 points per game, have lost three games to teams with a combined record of 17-5, including defending national champion, Texas A&M.

“A very good team, a very experienced team,” Fennelly said. “Glad it's at Hilton.”

The Cyclones, paced by Chelsea Poppens' 14.2 points, have suffered a pair of seven-point losses to Big Ten schools Penn State and Michigan.

“(Poppens) is a handful inside,” Bluder said. “She's physical, she's strong.”

ISU has shined on defense, limiting opponents to 34.2 percent shooting and 50.7 points. But the Cyclones are shooting 26.3 percent from beyond the arc - which ranks 206th nationally.

“We've defended really well,” said Fennelly, who has a raspy voice after undergoing cancer treatments. “But our scoring's like my voice -- not very good.”

Iowa's been more proficient on offense, averaging 70.4 points and 6.4 3-point field goals. But the Hawkeyes have allowed an average of 67.3 points per game - which ranks 254th nationally.

Intriguing matchups ripple through the lineup: Poppens and Iowa's Morgan Johnson; Printy and ISU freshman Nikki Moody.

The Cyclones may get a boost from the return of 6-7 post Anna Prins, as well. Prins - in the early stages of regaining her conditioning - will play in her second game since having her knee scoped.

“How I'm taking it is just going out and doing what I can and not focusing on what I can't do,” she said. All the elements - newcomers, old-timers, returners and rivals - combine for what should be a tight game for a change.

“It's a huge rivalry,” Printy said. “It's fun every year to play the in-state teams.”