Iowa State gets 3-seed, will host UT-Arlington in NCAA women’s basketball tournament

AMES — It’s a lock that Iowa State fans will flock to Hilton Coliseum for first- and second-round NCAA women’s basketball tournament games Friday and Sunday at Hilton Coliseum.

But the No. 10 Cyclones apparently have attracted new devotees, as well.

“I had four parents today of kids who were on other teams in our league complimenting these guys,” said ISU head coach Bill Fennelly, whose third-seeded team will play No. 14- seed UT-Arlington (20-7) in Friday’s first-round home game. “How they play and how they act, and how they represent their school. So I’m excited.”

Fennelly spoke with pride about the Cyclones (26-6) after Saturday’s 82-73 Big 12 women’s basketball tournament seminal loss in overtime to No. 7 Texas — well before he knew his first-round foe. But what does he know of the Mavericks?

“We really don't know a whole lot,” Fennelly said Sunday night.

Therein lies the beauty and challenge of March Madness.

“We’re excited to get started,” ISU all-time leading scorer Ashley Joens said. “Our coaches will scout and we’ll get ready.”

ISU has appeared in 13 of the past 15 NCAA Tournaments. The Cyclones have reached the second round in their past two appearances and believe they’re poised to make a deeper run this time.

“We’re gonna have the support of the best fans in the country,” ISU post player Morgan Kane said.

And possibly for two games. If the Cyclones can win both, a potential rematch with No. 2-seed Iowa could materialize in Greensboro, N.C. Fennelly didn’t want to delve into future possibilities, though, for good reason.

“I told (the team) enjoy everything about it and prepare as hard as you can because the next one, you lose you’re done,” Fennelly said. “So let’s make sure that when the season does end, you walk out of whatever gym it is with your head up and excited about the story that you’re gonna tell about your team.”