Iowa State Routs Eastern Illinois 77-61
Mya Babbitt scored 18 points and made four three-pointers as Iowa State pulled away after halftime at Hilton Coliseum.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Basketball
Iowa State defeated Eastern Illinois 77-61 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames on November 8. The Cyclones led 33-31 at halftime before building a decisive second-half advantage.
Why it matters
The win moves Iowa State to 3-0 and gives the program an early look at its depth as the schedule gets tougher. Transfer guard Mya Babbitt's outside shooting was a key factor in the result for Ames fans following the team.
Babbitt has made 12 of 21 three-point attempts this season, and Iowa State's teammates are just 4-for-38 from long range through three games. Turnsek led all scorers with 20 points, while the Cyclones turned seven Eastern Illinois turnovers into 15 points.
The players
Mya Babbitt
Babbitt is a transfer guard who joined Iowa State from Kent State and has quickly become a reliable perimeter scorer.
Tjasa Turnsek
Turnsek is an Iowa State player who led all scorers with 20 points in the win over Eastern Illinois.
The details
Iowa State trailed the Panthers' lead through a close first half and was up 33-31 at the break. Babbitt scored 13 of her 18 points after halftime as the Cyclones pulled away, and Tjasa Turnsek added a game-high 20 points.
Timeline
- November 8, 2026: Iowa State defeats Eastern Illinois 77-61 at Hilton Coliseum.
Season Trajectory
The 3-0 start positions Iowa State as an early contender in a Big 12 field that will be tested by stronger opponents soon. Babbitt's shooting and the team's need for a second outside threat will shape how the Cyclones handle that stretch.
Babbitt's three-point production matters for fantasy rosters that track women's college guards. Iowa State's need for a second outside shooter could change how opponents guard the Cyclones in upcoming games.
The takeaway
Early-season shooting numbers can swing quickly, so a team relying on one hot shooter has to keep finding other scoring options. Iowa State's ability to add a second perimeter threat will be the thing to watch as conference play approaches.
Further reading
For more on the program's recent form, see the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Gazette.
