In a tightly contested Round of 64 matchup at the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, the No. 9 Syracuse Orange edged past the No. 8 Iowa State Cyclones with a 72-63 victory. Uche Izoje led the charge for Syracuse with 23 points, delivering crucial scoring down the stretch. The Orange defense held firm in key moments, limiting Iowa State’s offensive rhythm despite Audi Crooks’ standout performance of 37 points. The game featured strong rebounding and timely three-point shooting from Syracuse, which proved decisive in the final minutes.
The contest showcased high-level collegiate basketball, with both teams demonstrating resilience and strategic execution. Syracuse advanced to the next round, capitalizing on their depth and defensive discipline. Iowa State fought hard but couldn’t overcome the scoring imbalance and late-game lapses. Highlights captured the intensity of the matchup, including pivotal plays and emotional reactions from players and fans alike. The full game footage remains available through ESPN's coverage of the tournament.