ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands - Iowa State used a 30-9 first half run to break open a close game and defeat Virginia, 66-48, in its opening game at the Paradise Jam Thursday afternoon. With the win Iowa State improves to 4-0, while Virginia drops to 3-2 overall.

The Cyclones were led by Kelsey Bolte, who finished with 15 points. Bolte hit three 3-pointers to become the seventh player in school history to make 200 career 3-pointers. The senior from Ida Grove, Iowa has now made 201 from long range in her career.

Hallie Christofferson was also in double-figures for the Cyclones with 11 points.

Freshman Kelsey Harris scored nine points off the bench. Chelsea Poppens scored eight points to go along with a team-high eight rebounds.

The Cyclones defense again proved too much for their opponent, holding Virginia to a chilly 30 percent (18-60) shooting from the field. The Cyclones have held all four opponents this season to 30 percent or below shooting.

Offensively, the Cyclones were just as impressive shooting a season-high 48.7 percent (19-39) from the field, including 9-of-22 from 3-point range.

The Cyclones came out firing on all cylinders, hitting 14-of-21 shots in the opening half to lead 40-19 at the break. Virginia tied it at 10-10 but the Cyclones went on a 30-9 run to end the half. Iowa State was led by Bolte, who scored 13 of her 15 points in the opening period.

Iowa State increased its lead to 33 points in the second half before Virginia slowly chipped away, trimming the deficit to 17 points with 3:19 remaining.

Virginia was led by Ariana Moorer, who finished with 11 points.

The Cyclones return to action Friday against TCU at 2:15 p.m. (CT).