The Iowa State women became the 75th straight victim in a 74-36 loss to the University of Connecticut women Sunday. U-Conn took control from the very start, led 42-14 at the half and never let the Cyclones think of the possibility of upsetting the defending national champion. Cyclone coach Bill Fennelly says the Huskies are as good as everyone says.
“I don’t think I’ve had a wupp’in like that since I was a little kid and broke something at my mom’s,” Fennelly says. He says he feels bad for his players that the season didn’t end with a better overall performance that would have given them the chance to beat what he calls the best team he’s ever seen.
The Cyclones had stunned top-seeded UConn 64-58 in the regional semis in 1999, but they never had a chance in this game. Fenelly says U-Conn is good in all areas of the game. He says they have a great game plan, they are long at every position, and play the game one play ahead instead of one play behind.
Senior Allison Lacey says there were a lot of things they could have done better. Lacey says at times they could have competed harder, been more aggressive and hit some more shots. Fennelly says they had a lot of shots that looked like they were going to fall, but didn’t.
He says that was their fear going in, could they score. Fennelly says they missed some open looks and he says when you have that shot against the Huskies you have to make it, as they don’t foul. The Cyclones had some great success this season with several younger players in the lineup. Fennelly says the loss can’t overshadow the accomplishments of the team.
Fennelly says this week was rightly all about Connecticut and what they have accomplished, but he says it doesn’t take away from his team. He says there are a lot of great teams in the country and to be one of only five teams to make back to back Sweet 16 appearances is a great accomplishment. Fennelly says the accomplishment of his team is being a team of great people that he is able to around every day. Anna Prins led Iowa State with 10 points. The Cyclones finished the season with a 25-8 record.