AMES – Iowa State women’s basketball player Aili Tanke was walking up the ramp at Hilton Coliseum following Sunday’s practice when she bumped into Cyclones coach Bill Fennelly.

Fennelly, who was getting ready to hop in his car, asked Tanke if she was ready for her first collegiate game on Monday.

“I was like, ‘Yeah’ and he was like, ‘Well, good, because you’re starting,’” Tanke said. “My mouth just dropped. I didn’t even think I said anything.”

Tanke was one of the stars of Iowa State’s first show Monday. The former Johnston standout scored 12 points and grabbed three rebounds as the ninth-ranked Cyclones beat Chicago State 96-56 in their season-opening victory at Hilton Coliseum.

“I thought she was fantastic,” Fennelly said.

Tanke, a 5-foot-11 freshman guard, has been that way ever since she stepped foot on campus. She was impressive in workouts leading up to the season. Tanke then turned in a strong showing by tallying 11 points off the bench in Iowa State’s exhibition win over Central.

Fennelly has praised Tanke’s basketball IQ and ability to be in the right spot at the right time. He also loves the consistency she brings to practice. All that factored into her locking up the last remaining starting spot alongside Audi Crooks, Emily Ryan, Arianna Jackson and Addy Brown.

“She just knows what she can do and I think she’s really comfortable playing with the other four that have a little experience,” Fennelly said.

Tanke got the starting nod over some more experienced players. She said she was shocked when Fennelly broke the news to her on Sunday.

“It kind of felt like a dream,” Tanke said. “I honestly didn’t believe it. Like, I was scared to tell people because I was like, what if I just imagined it?”

It was real, though. And Tanke made the most of the opportunity. She connected on two 3-pointers in Iowa State’s 29-0 run to open the game. When it was all said and done, she shot 4-of-5 from the field including 3-of-4 from 3-point range.

“You’ve got to give her credit,” Fennelly said. “When you’re a freshman and you start in this environment, you never know how it’s going to go, and she played really, really well and really smart. And I thought for her first college game, was one that was really good.”

Addy Brown starts strong in season opener

With most of the attention on Crooks this season, Brown has managed to fly under the radar. The sophomore was one of Iowa State’s top contributors last season but was left off the preseason All-Big 12 team and didn’t garner much of the spotlight during the offseason.

“If we didn’t have Audi Crooks, Addy Brown would get all that attention,” Fennelly said. “She is as skilled and as talented as any player at her position in the country.”

Brown showed off that versatile skillset Monday when she filled the stat sheet with a game-high 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists. More performances like that should generate more attention for Brown, who has used any offseason snubbing to her advantage.

“I kind of like it that way,” Brown said. “I think it motivates me.”

Crooks finished with 16 points and four rebounds.

Fennelly still figuring out minutes and rotations

Fennelly was able to unload his entire bench during the win over Chicago State. That was the plan. Fennelly had planned to not play anyone more than 24 minutes and get at least 13-14 minutes for everyone. It’s his way of giving everyone on the roster opportunities to make compelling cases for playing time.

But with so many players making the most of those chances early on, Fennelly said he isn’t quite ready to start cutting down on playing time. He said playing time will sort itself out as the season goes along and the games get tougher.

“We have a very skilled team,” Fennelly said. “It’s one of the more skilled teams that we’ve had here when you look at one through 12.”

Taulelei nears debut

Iowa State center/forward Lilly Taulelei may be close to making her Cyclones debut. Taulelei, a transfer from UMass, has been dealing with a sprained ankle. She didn’t suit up for Iowa State’s exhibition game or the season opener.

But Taulelei did go through a 45-minute individual workout prior to Monday’s game. Fennelly said she could suit up for Thursday’s game against Indiana State.

“She’s close,” Fennelly said. “That’ll be nice to have another body in the post.”

Tommy Birch, the Register’s sports enterprise and features reporter, has been working at the newspaper since 2008. He’s the 2018, 2020 and 2023 Iowa Sportswriter of the Year. Reach him at tbirch@dmreg.com or 515-284-8468

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The undefeated Kansas City Chiefs will look to move to 8-0 today in a Monday Night Football matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The game will air on ESPN and ABC, with the top crew of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call.

It is the second time for both teams on Monday Night Football this season. The game will kickoff at 8:15 p.m. Eastern.

Several streaming services will broadcast the Nov. 4 game live, and you can watch on Fubo (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling (promotional offers).

The Chiefs are still trying to avoid their first loss, as MVP favorite — quarterback Patrick Mahomes — has helped push the Chiefs to this point. Along with a stellar defense, Kansas City has allowed just 20 or more points in three of its seven games.

The Buccaneers are in perhaps the polar opposite position. Wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans have suffered long-term injuries, with Godwin notably out for the season. They’ve also lost two-straight games, including three of four.

Check out a complete rundown of NFL Week 9 action, including the schedule, predictions, previews, TV information and more.

Chiefs – Buccaneers Matchup Preview

The Chiefs are riding high atop the AFC and NFL standings with a dominant start to the season. They’re looking for a three-peat, and appear well on their way to being one of the AFC’s top seeds in the playoffs.

The Buccaneers are in some big time trouble, as they bring a 4-4 record into Kansas City. Aside from a 51-27 win over the Saints on Oct. 13, they’ve won just one game since Sept. 29.

Chiefs – Buccaneers Last Game Recap

The Chiefs won, again, over an AFC West foe, while the Buccaneers dropped another disappointing game against the Falcons.

Kansas City Chiefs: Beat the Las Vegas Raiders 27-20 on Oct. 27.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lost to the Atlanta Falcons 31-26 on Oct. 27.

Chiefs – Buccaneers Players to Watch

The Chiefs are loaded with a talented offense and defense, while the Buccaneers are trying to work in various new offensive weapons absent some major contributors.

Kansas City Chiefs: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes (68.4% completion percentage, 8 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 1,651 yards passing), tight end Travis Kelce (38 catches, 335 yards, 1 touchdown), defensive tackle Chris Jones (3 sacks, 15 tackles).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quarterback Baker Mayfield (71.1% completion percentage, 2,189 yards, 21 touchdowns, 9 interceptions), tight end Cade Otton (36 catches, 344 yards, 3 touchdowns), linebacker Lavonte David (56 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception).

How to Watch Chiefs – Buccaneers

• Who: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• When: Monday, Nov. 4, 2024
• Time: 8:15 p.m. Eastern
• Where: Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, Missouri
• Channel: ESPN, ABC
• Best Streaming Options: Fubo (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling (promotional offers).

Channel finder if you have cable

You can access the channel by using the channel finders online: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV and Dish.

About FuboTV

Fubo (free trial) has three main packages: Pro costs $79.99/month; Elite is $89.99; Premier is priced at $99.99. Cancel before the free trial ends to avoid being charged. Fubo includes access to more than 185 sports, entertainment and news channels. You can record games, TV shows, movies and more.

About DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream, which also gives customers a free trial, offers four packages if you continue with the service after your trial ends: Entertainment for $69.99; Choice for $84.99; Ultimate for $109.99; and premier for $159.99. Choice offers the most channels for sports enthusiasts.

About Sling

Sling, which features promotional offers for new customers, has a Blue package for $20 for your first month ($40 after that) and an Orange package for the same price and deal. Get both the Blue and Orange packages for $27.50 for your first month ($55 after that).

For team hats, shirts and more gear: Visit Fanatics, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lids, Champs Sports and New Era.

Information from the AP was included in this report and AI might have been used to assist with this story.