Play in, play out

ISU's seven game win streak played them into NCAA tourney contention. Sunday's loss may have played them out.

When the NCAA committee looks at the resumes of bubble teams, one of the big things are the "best wins" and "worst loss" lists. This lost to at 15-14 Nebraska team, at home, may hit the "worst loss" list.

The Cornhuskers exploited ISU's two big weaknesses: lack of depth inside, and flaky outside shooting.

By sending 4 to the offensive glass, NU got multiple chances, and also limited ISU's transition game by forcing the Cyclones to work hard for every defnsive rebound.

1-11 3 point shooting allowed the NU D to sit back and clog the middle, limiting Homan's touches and stymying penetration by the guards.

That game looked like January all over again, and ISU looked miles from being an NCAA worthy team. Even with two days off, they looked a half-step slow, and tired both physically and mentally. Even if they find a way to beat Mizzou Wednesday, I am unsure if they have enough in the tank to win in Boulder on Saturday, or to win more than their first round gaem in KC.

Eevn if they made the NCAA's as a 12 seed, it would take a tremendous effort to beat a 5, and effort I suspect this group doesn't have left in it.

I said this several times during the 0-5 start: Wayne's World only has one speed, and that's flat out aggressive and hustling. If ISU's 6 1/2 man rotation isn't able to do that, they are sunk.

Peterclone