Thu Jan 08 00:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Baylor Upsets Iowa State in Thrilling Top-25 Showdown

The Story:
In a stunning upset, the No. 22 Baylor Bears defeated the No. 10 Iowa State Cyclones 72-70 in Ames. Taliah Scott, who scored all 21 of her points in the second half, hit the game-winning shot with just 2.9 seconds remaining. Baylor improved to 13-3 overall and 2-1 in Big 12 play, handing Iowa State their first loss of the season, moving them to 14-1 overall and 2-1 in conference.

The game was a tale of two halves. Audi Crooks dominated the first half for Iowa State, scoring 22 of her 26 points. However, Baylor adjusted defensively in the second half, limiting Crooks’ touches. Baylor’s Darianna Littlepage-Buggs had a standout performance with 13 points and 20 rebounds. Jada Williams of Iowa State had a career-high 28 points, including clutch shots to tie the game late, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Baylor’s resilience.

Key Points:

  • Taliah Scott scored the game-winning shot with 2.9 seconds left, finishing with 21 points (all in the second half).
  • Darianna Littlepage-Buggs had 13 points and 20 rebounds for Baylor.
  • Audi Crooks scored 26 points for Iowa State but was limited to just 4 in the second half.
  • Jada Williams scored a career-high 28 points for Iowa State.
  • Baylor defeated Iowa State 72-70.

Key Takeaways:

  • Baylor demonstrated their ability to adjust defensively in-game, effectively neutralizing Iowa State’s key player, Audi Crooks, in the second half.
  • Taliah Scott proved her ability to perform under pressure, scoring all her points in the second half and hitting the game-winning shot.
  • Iowa State’s reliance on Audi Crooks was exposed, highlighting a potential vulnerability when she is contained defensively.
  • This victory significantly boosts Baylor’s resume and position in the national rankings.
  • The Big 12 conference remains highly competitive, with ranked teams trading blows early in the season.

Impact Analysis:

This win for Baylor has significant implications for both teams. Baylor strengthens its position as a contender in the Big 12 and earns valuable momentum as they move through conference play. The victory over a top-10 team provides a boost to their confidence and national standing.

For Iowa State, this loss serves as a wake-up call. It exposes their vulnerability when their primary offensive weapon, Audi Crooks, is effectively contained. The Cyclones will need to develop alternative offensive strategies and rely on secondary scoring options to remain competitive in the Big 12. The loss will likely drop them in the rankings and put pressure on them to rebound quickly.

Read More