Crooks continues to dominate for Cyclones

AMES (AP) — Audi Crooks had 27 points, four teammates reached double figures in scoring, and No. 12 Iowa State routed Mercyhurst 112-62 on Sunday.

The former Bishop Garrigan superstar, who is averaging 25.7 points per game, hit on all but one of her nine shots from the field, and made 11 of 14 free throws.

Arianna Jackson scored 12 points and Reese Beaty, Addy Brown and Sydney Harris scored 11 each for the Cyclones (7-0 overall).

Iowa State led just 26-24 entering the second quarter, but outscored the Lakers 63-19 in the middle quarters. It was 89-43 entering the fourth.

Iowa State shot 54% and Mercyhurst hit for 40%. Both teams made 12 3-pointers.

Jenna Van Schaik scored 17 points, Sofia Wilson 13 and Lena Walz 10 for the Lakers (0-5).

The Cyclones are off to their best start to a season since 2021-22 when that team also opened 7-0.

Crooks is now shooting 74 percent from the field — the best mark in the nation — and also averages 6.5 rebounds.

Iowa State now faces Marquette on Friday at Coconut Hoops in Fort Myers, Fla. The Golden Eagles are 4-1, but lost by 43 points to Minnesota earlier this month.

The winner of that contest faces either Indiana or Gonzaga on Sunday.