The Missouri State Lady Bears are still dancing. They upset Iowa State 69-60 on the Cyclones’ home court to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since Jackie Stiles led Southwest Missouri State to the final four in 2001.
Missouri State took an 18-17 lead with 32 seconds left in the first quarter and never would trail again. Three-point shooting was a big story in the game as the Lady Bears held an Iowa State team that averages nine three-point makes per game to a season-low two. Missouri State knocked down seven three-pointers in the game.
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Stoutland native Alexa Willard scored a team-high 17 points to lead the Lady Bears. Abby Hipp (11 points) and Danielle Gitzen (10 points) also scored in double figures. Missouri State had nine different players score in the game.
All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year Bridget Carleton scored a game-high 31 points to lead Iowa State.
Missouri State will now head to Chicago for the Sweet 16 next weekend where the Lady Bears await the winner of No. 2 Stanford and No. 7 BYU. The Lady Bears are the only double-digit seed remaining in the tournament and only team seeded below seven.
