Iowa State is looking to close out the season with some strong wins, and the team started with a 14-point win over the Kansas City Wildcats. Audi Crooks remained a powerful scorer on the field, scoring 41 points, once again leading the team to victory.
Analyst Pat McAfee also praised Audi Crooks after record-breaking performances, predicting Iowa state national championship glory. But fans saw one flaw in her game and commented on the comparison.
Fans Find Gap In Audi Crooks’ Game Despite Tying Brittney Griner’s Record
The Iowa State Cyclones make a bold statement with a win over the Kansas City Wildcats. The side now has a 22-8 record and is in control of its Big 12 tournament’s early stages.
Crooks led the scorers with 41 points and collected 13 rebounds. This was her fifth 40+ point game, which levels her with Baylor superstar Brittney Griner for the most 40-point games in Big 12 history. Earlier, Crooks shattered her own Iowa State scoring record with a 47-point explosion against the Indiana Hoosiers.
AUDI CROOKS DROPPED 41 PTS AGAINST KANSAS STATE 🔥
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) March 1, 2026
This is Crooks' FIFTH career 40-point game, tying Brittney Griner for the most in Big 12 history 😤 pic.twitter.com/reXgjfVm0n
While the Junior Center remains one of the dominating forces in the league, fans want her to improve on other aspects, too.
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A fan wrote, “She plays no defense, she isn’t anything special.”
She plays no defense, she isn't anything special
— Jeff Brooks (@jeff_brooks1) March 2, 2026
One fan added, “When you camp under the rim because you can’t defend.”
When you camp under the rim because you can’t defend.
— ₿arrel Aged Hawk (@South_of_92) March 2, 2026
Another fan mentioned, “She’s just a scoring machine.”
She’s just a scoring machine. You’d have to pair her with a great shot blocking big. Her and Reese would be an unstoppable Duo. Will most definitely bring Hype to women’s basketball. I hope the WNBA makes it happen
— Apex (@apexAnteater) March 2, 2026
A fan said, “What’s her defensive ranking ?”
What’s her defensive ranking ?
— justin. (@Justthink47) March 2, 2026
Another fan commented, “is she considered the first draft pick?”
is she considered the first draft pick?
— Richie (@MeeSowCorny) March 2, 2026
Even though there were a few negative comments about her game, the player was happy with her performance and with one particular aspect of it.
Audi Crooks Reflects On Record-Setting Game
Winning was always on her mind, and achieving the milestone was a bonus for the star. The star stands second in the nation in scoring averages with 25.1 points, shooting 64.3% from the field. She also averages 7.6 rebounds in the season.
As for the game, the player was happy with her free throws, netting all nine attempts. In the interview, she said, “I think this was probably my best game this year as far as just looking across the board, but I was excited about those free throws.”
Crooks is averaging 72.8% from the free-throw line this season, so a 100% conversion was a welcome sign for her. After the win, Iowa State takes seventh place and will receive a first-round bye in the Big 12 tournament.