No. 8 Cyclones are focused and ready for Indiana State – Iowa State Daily

AMES – Fresh off its 30th season-opening win, the Iowa State women's basketball team will host its second game of the season for the first time on Thursday against Indiana State at 6:30 p.m.

Coming off the court on Monday, the Cyclones won their season opener 96-56 against Chicago State, marking Iowa State's 30th straight season-opening victory. The Cyclones got off to an explosive start as freshman Aili Tanke started in her first career game and contributed to a 29-0 lead in the first quarter.

“I think she did great, as a freshman that’s great,” guard Kelsey Joens said. “She came in really well, was confident and seemed to fit in.”

Iowa State led the game throughout as the Cougars' defense and offense allowed plenty of scoring opportunities. Forward Addy Brown used this factor to her advantage, filling her stat sheet with a team-high 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists and one steal.

With plenty of shooting options, the Cyclones contributed 38 points from the field and made up 30% of their scoring on 3-pointers.

“Our goal before every game is to do everything,” guard Kenzie Hare said. “Whoever’s night it is, it’s their night and I’m not going to worry too much about who scores. As a team we put the ball in the basket.”

Indiana State ends its first game of the season with a 71-59 loss to Western Kentucky.

The Sycamores looked promising early on after a fast-paced first quarter, jumping out to a 22-17 lead. However, Western Kentucky put up an uphill battle as it rallied to take a 10-point lead early in the second quarter.

With a constant back and forth, the Sycamores stayed in the hunt but were able to keep the score in the second half. However, Western Kentucky built a seven-point lead that eventually extended into the fourth quarter and ultimately handed Indiana State its first loss of the season.

The team was led by guard Keslyn Secrist, who scored 21 points and five rebounds. Defender Mia Simpson and forward Chloe Williams followed closely behind, each scoring nine points.

The Sycamores will now be led by a new head coach in Marc Mitchell, who spent the last two seasons coaching at the University of Indianapolis. In 2014, Mitchell led FDU-Florham to an undefeated season and captured the title 2014 NCAA Division III National Championship.

Mitchell is followed by five new transfers to the team, which is an advantage for the Cyclones as Indiana State is still experimenting with team chemistry.

“Indiana State, in my opinion, has a returning player who has played a lot, and then they have a new coach, new roles and transfers,” head coach Bill Fennelly said. “So it will be difficult to get information. Luckily they played once, so unlike the last game we can at least match the names to the faces.”

The Cyclones take on Indiana State at Hilton Coliseum on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.