The most striking thing about the winning run of the Cyclones as of late is not just the quality of play, but the overall pace.
A quick look at the tape from the Xavier game- a loss to #163 that is dragging down ISU's RPI to #72- shows a lack of the hustle on both sides of the ball that has been keying the team during this run. The guards slashing to the hole, Homan crashing the boards, everyone running the floor like there is free food at the other end; all were lacking during the down streak. All are there now.
Consider these intersting numbers of the first 5 and second 5 games of the B12 season: during the losing streak, ISU was giving up 67 points, but only scoring 60. Ouch. During the winning streak, ISU's defensive numbers have improved to 65 ppg, but scoring have lept to 78 ppg. Wow.
Clearly, some 3 point shooting has helped. But it seems that Stinson and Blalock can now drive and score at will, and are generating even more turnovers at the top of the key. Biggest of all, they finish the break. I wish I had the stats on how often a turnover ends up as points on the other end.
Wayne's World only works when the pedal is floored. Against Tech, even when they feel way behind, they kept trying to force the issue on defense. Eventually it worked, and ISU overwhelmed tech over the last 30 minutes.
Right now, ISU is tied with Texas for 5th place, but they win that tiebreaker. The next goal: a bye in the B12 tourney. A fresh ISU versus a UT or A&M or Nebraska that played the day before? I like that action.
Peterclone
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