AMES — Iowa State women’s basketball opened its season with a 90-61 victory over Grambling State on Monday, November 2, extending its winning streak in season openers to 32 games — an active NCAA women’s basketball record, according to ISU Athletics.
Four Cyclones scored in double figures as Iowa State improved to 1-0. Tjasa Turnsek led with 19 points on 78 percent shooting, while Mya Babbitt scored 17 in her Cyclone debut, knocking down five 3-pointers off the bench.
Xiao Zhang added 13 points on 5-for-6 shooting. Gift Ezekiel also scored 13, making all five of her field-goal attempts.
Arianna Jackson and Alex-Anne Bessette each grabbed eight rebounds, and Sienna Harvey directed the offense with a game-high nine assists.
Early 19-0 run puts Cyclones in control
With the score tied 4-4, Bessette entered the game and hit a jumper that started a 19-0 Iowa State run over five minutes. Zhang capped the opening quarter with a basket at the buzzer, giving the Cyclones a 27-12 lead.
Babbitt opened the second quarter with her second 3-pointer in as many attempts. Zhang’s two free throws pushed the advantage to 34-14 with just under eight minutes left in the half.
Babbitt reached double figures with another triple at the 6:47 mark and finished the half with four 3-pointers. Turnsek also reached double figures before the break as Iowa State built a commanding 53-23 lead.
Babbitt’s fifth triple helps keep momentum
Turnsek scored consecutive baskets early in the third quarter as the Cyclones stretched their lead to 35 points. Grambling State responded with two 3-pointers before Babbitt connected on her fifth triple, putting Iowa State ahead 61-29 with 6:34 remaining.
The Cyclones took a 72-43 lead into the fourth quarter. Zhang scored consecutive baskets early in the final period, reaching double figures and helping Iowa State maintain a comfortable margin.
Grambling State fell to 0-1.
Iowa State hosts Nicholls Thursday
The Cyclones return to Hilton Coliseum on Thursday, November 5, to face Nicholls. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., with coverage on ESPN+.