Clarks in the Building (Not Caitlin!)

When Caitlin Clark played at Iowa, she built the majority of her fanbase with her deep threes and the way she pushed the Hawkeyes to back-to-back national title games.

As the former Iowa star prepares for USA Women's Basketball training camp at Duke University, this Cy-Hawk game played out differently. Caitlin wasn’t in the building. Her parents were, though, sitting in Ames and taking everything in.

But the night did not play out in the Hawkeyes favor.

The Rivalry Game

But with or without Clark's presence, this rivalry match-up was much anticipated, with a 14009 attendance. As Iowa State edged the Hawkeyes 74–69, Audi Crooks’ 30-point performance, supported by Addy Brown’s 12 rebounds, became the highlight of the night.

20-year-old Crooks ended up as the points leader for the Cyclones, continuing their winning streak to 11-0. She also contributed with 10 rebounds in the 36 minutes she played.

However, it was not completely one-sided as the Hawkeyes had Hannah Stuelke, who battled back with 15 boards. But the Cyclones closed it out in the fourth quarter.

While the Iowa Hawkeyes couldn't get the win, Clark's parents being there for the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series December clash was a nice highlight.

The Rise of a Star

Audi Crooks has been averaging 27.8 points per game this season and is the leading scorer in the nation, even with tough competition like Mikayla Blakes and Hannah Hidalgo.

Audi Crooks first got all the attention to Iowa State Cyclones in 2024 when she posted 40 points against No. 10 Maryland in the first round.

By the end of the night, the Clarks and the rest of the world had watched a game with another potential breakout star in Audi Brooks, just like they once watched Caitlin Clark.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu