K-State women lose only second game of year at ranked Iowa State

Iowa State senior guard Heather Ezell helped to prove her No. 22 Cyclones were up to the challenge when they played on their home court Saturday evening at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. After managing only seven points in Iowa State’s losing effort in Manhattan earlier this season, the senior guard exploded for 19 points en route to a 60-50 upset over the No. 14 Wildcats.
“We found a way to win,” Iowa State head coach Bill Fennelly said. “That’s as well coached team as we are going to play against.”
The Wildcats suffered early foul trouble with Ashley Sweat and Marlies Gipson as each recorded two fouls early in the first half. Gipson recorded two fouls in the first 10 minutes of the opening half.
“We had three players with two fouls very quick into the game, and obviously we didn’t step up and assert ourselves from that position on the floor.” K-State head coach Deb Patterson said.
The Wildcats built a six point lead late in the first half, however poor shooting and a 10-2 run by the Cyclones shifted the momentum and lead to Iowa State heading into halftime.
The Cyclone run was highlighted by a Kelsey Bolte jumper with :06 remaining in the first half to give the Cyclones a 24-19 lead heading into the half time break.
Iowa State took their momentum into the second half and built an eight-point lead just more than three minutes into the second half.
However Patterson’s team began to make a push with the help of Shalee Lehning and Sweat. The Wildcats were able to take the lead after a jump shot by Sweat with 8:11 remaining in the game.
AMES, IA - Following a technical foul on Alison Lacey of the Cyclones with eight minutes remaining, and two made free throws by Kari Kincaid as a result of the technical, the Wildcats amassed their largest lead in the second half at four points with a 35-39 advantage.
Yet, with what would prove to be the dagger in the back of the Wildcats, Kelsey Bolte hit a three pointer at the 6:28 mark to steal the momentum back from the Wildcats.
“They put themselves in the position down the stretch.” Patterson said. “We had an opportunity to stretch a little bit of momentum we had gained, we gave them the opportunity to hit a big three.”
Following the three pointer by Bolte, the Wildcats defense was unable to stop Ezell and the Iowa State offense, as she would account for a game high 19 points, 12 of which came in the second half.
“It was a game where both teams defended very well,” Patterson said. “It came down to one or two possession. If you break down defensively, Iowa State will crush you.”
With the loss, K-State falls to 18-2 overall and 5-2 in Big 12 play. They will look to bounce back at home next week as they play host to Missouri on Wednesday.