Cyclone women roll to easy exhibition victory

ISU sports information

AMES – A strong second half performance propelled the Cyclones to a 79-29 win over Rockhurst Sunday night at Hilton Coliseum.

Iowa State posted it second exhibition win in six days by outscoring the Hawks 47-14 in the second half.

The Cyclones put the game out of Rockhurst's reach with a 17-0 run during the second half that expanded the Iowa State lead to 61-19 lead with 10:24 to go in the game. The Cyclones shot 14-of-25 from the field in the second half, including eight-of-14 from three-point range.

After posting 16 points Tuesday against Coe College, Chelsea Poppens went one better against the Hawks, posting 17 points and six rebounds. Joining Poppens atop the scoring charts was Hallie Christofferson. Kelsey Harris joined the duo in double-figures with 11 points on three-of-five shooting, all three made baskets being from three-point range.

The Cyclones controlled the rebounding battle, grabbing 48 boards compared to the Hawks' 29. Chassidy Cole, Nikki Moody and Poppens led the Iowa State effort on the glass with six rebounds and Christofferson posted five boards. The Cyclones passed well as they posted 23 assists on 25 made baskets. Cole, Lauren Mansfield and Jessica Schroll led Iowa State with five assists apiece.

Christofferon was the catalyst of the Cyclone offense in the early proceedings. The sophomore started off the game making her first three shots, two from three-point range in posting 10 of Iowa State's 16 points.

The Cyclones went into the half with a 32-15 advantage. Poppens led the Cyclones with 11 points to go along with Christofferson's 10. Four Cyclones tied for the team lead in first half rebounds with three and Mansfield was the top Cyclone distributor with three first half dimes.

The Hawks were led by Gabbie Binion and Susan Hohenadel's five points, both coming off of the bench. Katye Nash led Rockhurst on the boards with five. The Hawks were restricted to 10-of-54 shooting on the game and committed 19 turnovers.

Iowa State kicks off the regular season Friday when it hosts Houston Baptist at 7 p.m.