Audi Crooks just set a new record while playing for Iowa State University basketball on Wednesday night. The 20-year-old was a key component in the team’s 97-50 win against Valparaiso. She scored 43 points in just 20 minutes on the court.
Audi Crooks broke a historic Iowa State record
Crooks’s performance led her to break a program record previously held by Tonya Burns, who scored 42 points in a game against Nebraska on Jan. 18, 1984. Crooks scored the first six points of the fourth quarter before being switched out. Her official playing time was 19 minutes and 56 seconds, according to Des Moines Register writer Tommy Birch.
The center also recorded seven rebounds and a block. This means she added to her current streak of scoring in double figures to 71 straight games on 18-of-23 shooting. It is the longest active streak in Iowa State basketball history, as well as in NCAA women’s basketball, according to KCCI.
“It’s not really about the accolades and the records,” Crooks said during the postgame press conference, according to CBS Sports. “Of course, it’s an honor to be etched in school history, but it’s about, like, ‘Who did it with you?’ It’s not about the destination, more the journey, so just incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such great people.”
The basketball player also congratulated her teammate, Addy Brown, who was the second-leading scorer that evening. Brown scored 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting and recorded seven rebounds and four assists.
“Crazy,” Brown said of Crooks’s performance. “It’s the only word I have. And she did it in 20 minutes, that’s unreal. I think if she would have played all 40, she would have scored 100. So, maybe next time.”
Crooks was reportedly sick when she was playing. It is why she was subbed out during the game.
“Well, the night didn’t start so well for me,” she said. “This is going to be a shock, but this was like the (Michael) Jordan flu game for me. I came out in the first quarter and I had to ditch my pregame meal. I was not feeling well at all. So this was a shock.”
Who is Audi Crooks?
Crooks is currently a junior at Iowa State University, where she is studying psychology and sociology. Her father, Jimmie Crooks, played basketball at Minnesota State University, according to the Cyclones. Having grown up in Iowa, Crooks graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School and plays five instruments: guitar, bass guitar, trumpet, drums and piano.
During the 2023-24 season, Crooks made history by becoming the first Iowa State women’s basketball’s first freshman All-American. She was also the university’s first freshman to be a First Team All-Conference selection.
Next up, Iowa State will be playing against Norfolk State on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. ET.