Audi Crooks etched her name alongside a legendary figure in college basketball by tying Brittney Griner’s Big 12 record for the most 40-point games. On March 1, 2026, the Iowa State junior center scored 41 points and collected 13 rebounds in just 30 minutes, driving the Cyclones to a dominant 93–79 victory on the road against Kansas State at Bramlage Coliseum.
This milestone highlights Crooks’s emergence as one of the nation’s most formidable post scorers, marking a significant moment not only for her career but also for Iowa State’s standing as they head into postseason play.
A Night to Remember in Kansas
The statistics from this game tell an impressive story: 41 points and 13 rebounds in only 30 minutes on the court. Crooks blended precision, strength, and tenacity, utilizing a combination of post moves, offensive rebounds, and free throws to consistently challenge and disrupt Kansas State’s defensive efforts.
Unlike many standout performances that rely on extensive playing time, Crooks’s impact came quickly and decisively. Her efforts were instrumental in Iowa State’s ability to build and sustain momentum throughout the game. Recognizing the approaching postseason, the coaching staff carefully managed her minutes to maintain her condition, underscoring how dominant and efficient she was during her time on the floor.
Complementing Crooks’s efforts, teammate Jada Williams contributed 23 points, providing a balanced offensive threat that Kansas State struggled to contain.
Significance of Matching Griner’s Record
Brittney Griner’s legacy is monumental—she is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a former No. 1 overall WNBA draft pick, and one of women’s college basketball’s most celebrated athletes. Crooks tying Griner’s record for 40-point games in the Big 12 is a remarkable achievement that places her among the elite players in conference history.
Far from a single standout night, Crooks’s 41-point performance reflected the fifth occasion in her career scoring at least 40 points, a testament to her consistent ability to carry Iowa State’s offense. She has been the go-to player during scoring slumps, drawing intense defensive pressure and delivering critical points when the team has needed it most.
After the game, Crooks herself described the outing as
“possibly her best performance of the year.”
This view was shared by her coaches and teammates who praised not only her scoring but also her laser focus and efficiency.
Iowa State’s Position Heading into the Postseason
The victory secured a strong finish to the regular season for Iowa State, culminating in a 22–8 overall record and 10–8 in Big 12 conference play. This record earned the Cyclones a first-round bye in the Big 12 Tournament, an advantage that provides valuable rest and the opportunity to prepare for more favorable matchups.
Securing this bye also strengthens Iowa State’s case for a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament. Committees typically consider how well teams close their seasons, and a dominant road win combined with a record-tying individual achievement enhances the team’s narrative on a national scale.
The Defensive Adjustments to Come
As Iowa State advances, opposing coaches will design game plans aimed specifically at limiting Crooks’s influence on the court. Expect to see more double teams, post fronting, and aggressive help defenses intended to cut off her scoring options and force the Cyclones’ perimeter players to make quick decisions under pressure.
In this defensive chess match, Jada Williams’s role becomes critical. If defenses focus on Crooks, and Williams can capitalize on the open shots that result, Iowa State’s offense will become much harder to defend. This strategic battle will undoubtedly be a key storyline during March.
What Lies Ahead for Crooks and the Cyclones
Heading into the conference tournament, Crooks carries momentum with careful management of her playing time designed to preserve her health. Her durability and performance levels will heavily influence how far Iowa State can advance.
In the NCAA Tournament, individual accomplishments like Crooks’s record-tying games bolster the program’s national profile, but ultimately team success and strength of schedule will dictate seeding. Maintaining winning consistency is essential for the Cyclones to secure a strong tournament position.
A productive March could also elevate Crooks into consideration for national awards and enhance her prospects for the WNBA draft. Multiple 40-point outings highlight her offensive versatility and ability to perform at an elite level, qualities that professional teams highly value.
Recap of Career Milestones and Team Status
Audi Crooks’s career now includes five 40-point games, matching the Big 12 record previously held solely by Brittney Griner. The recent win improved Iowa State’s record to 22–8 overall, with a 10–8 mark in conference play, securing a valuable first-round tournament bye. Her efficiency was underscored by a 41-point, 13-rebound stat line compiled in only 30 minutes of court time.
Setting the Stage for March Challenges
With this record-tying feat, Audi Crooks has fulfilled and exceeded expectations throughout the season, signaling her capacity to perform at a level that few collegiate athletes can reach. The true measure of her impact will come during the intense competition of tournament play, where scouting adjustments, pressure, and matchups will test whether she can drive Iowa State deep into March.
