When our Cyclones are forced into a half-court game, they can look as if they are running uphill. Everything is hard, the timing is off, simple shots roll out instead of in.
When they are creating live-ball turnovers or getting stops and live rebounds, they are much more dangerous, and score at a better clip, which only energizes effort on the defensive end. The floor tips, and the Cyclones are running downhill.
ISU had the uphill climb for about 32 minutes against Kansas State, which kept the tempo slow, and forced the half court game. Every drive was met by two or three defenders, and hard shots refused to go in. Tough possessions on offense stole momentum, and the defensive effort seemed a step slow, as if KSU was full of surprises.
Losers of 3 of their last 5, Iowa State is in a funk. Lawrence is a tough place to right oneself.
