Hate week is upon us once more, and the women's basketball teams are set to kick off an exciting encounter as the Iowa State Cyclones visit Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Wednesday night. Iowa, after suffering their first defeat of the year in their previous game against Tennessee, is eager to regain their winning form and get back on the right side of the win/loss columns. This game also marks their first home appearance since a victorious outing against Washington State on November 24th.

Witness the Battle for March Madness Glory!

Overview of Iowa State

The Cyclones enter this night with a 3-game winning streak, but it's important to note that these wins have come against non-power six opponents. Additionally, they come into the game with a pair of losses - one in their lone road game against UNI and another in their sole matchup against a ranked opponent. Sophomore center Audi Crooks leads the way for Iowa State, standing at 6’3” and hailing from Algona. He averages 1.8 points and an impressive 8.3 rebounds per game, shooting over 58% from the floor. Sophomore forward Addy Brown also makes a significant impact, averaging 14.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. With both players over 6’2” and dominating in the paint, Iowa's posts will face a tough challenge.

The duo's presence gives Iowa State a strong frontline, capable of causing problems for the opposing team. Their ability to control the boards and score in the paint makes them a formidable opponent.

Standout for Iowa

Lucy Olsen is leading the Hawkeyes with 18.1 points per game, along with 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists. Forwards Addison O’Grady and Hannah Stuelke are also in double figures, averaging 15.2 and 13.8 points per game respectively. Stuelke takes the lead in rebounds, averaging 7.4 per game. These players form a potent offensive force for Iowa, capable of putting up points and controlling the game on both ends.

The Hawkeyes' offensive firepower, combined with their defensive efforts, will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. They will need to defend against Iowa State's strong frontline and find ways to score against their defense.

Importance of the Game

The winner of this matchup is sure to make a move up the rankings and add a significant win to their March Madness resume. With both teams having their own strengths and weaknesses, it promises to be a closely contested battle. Every possession will be crucial, and the team that can make the most of their opportunities will come out on top.

This game is not just about winning on the court; it's about building momentum and confidence for the rest of the season. A victory for either team could set the tone for their upcoming games and potentially impact their postseason aspirations.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM CT. Here's a look at the full details for tonight's matchup.Date: Wednesday, December 11thTime: 8:00 pm CTMatchup: Iowa State Cyclones (8-2, 0-0) at Iowa Hawkeyes (8-1, 0-0)Location: Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, IATV: FS1DraftKings Line: Iowa -7.5, O/U 146.5Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.The usual rules apply again today. Play nice in the comments. No personal attacks, no politics, keep the language somewhat in check and please, report any spam bots that may happen to show their digital faces.Go Hawks!