Epic

We just witnessed this most incredible back-to-back games in the storied, wacky history of Hilton Coliseum. 

First game: Bully a solid Kansas team, which blew you out a month earlier, on Saturday.  

Second game: Play a high-level, back and forth game with Houston, owners of a 50-4 record since joining the league. Lead at halftime, then fall behind 10 on a barrage of 3s and your own missed free-throws.

Straight from Central Casting enters a 17-4 run over the last 7 minutes to end the game. Winner. Drive home safely. 

Just find a way. Savor this weekend, friends.  

 

Creativity

The Fighting Scott Drews are always a tough out. Every player is 6'9" with a 9 foot wingspan, they tip a lot of passes and are relentless rebounders. You seldom get comfortable on offense. Even open shots lack rhythm.

Baylor's visit to Ames fit that script, yet the Cyclones built a lead going into the under 4 timeout. The Prevent Offense was great on running clock, but bad on scoring and turnovers, which brought the Bears back to the doorstep, yet the Cyclones survived. 

Sometimes you run downhill. Sometimes you grind. Wins count the same. Onward.  

Rarified Air

The Cyclones last four games have been blowout wins over team that Iowa State is just better than. The back half of the league schedule is much tougher than the front. 

The staff here at CSJ are struggling to find a basketball comp for the level of play we have seen over the last two weeks. Scoring at will on the offensive end, and holding teams well below their normal averages is rare. The best Tinsley/Fizer teams could play this way for a game or two, but not four in a row. 

Enjoy the ride, because this a special time. 

Nuance

The difference between listless and winning Cyclone basketball appears to be little things: the tempo of ball movement, anticipating defensive rotations, trapping at unexpected moments, hands in passing lanes, and finishing at the rim.

A triple-double from Mr. Jefferson always helps. What a talent. 

Good to have the winning formula back. Onward. 

Review

 The August power rankings of the B12, and the end of year finish:

 

Kansas State  -  Tech

Arizona State  -  Utah

Iowa State  -  BYU  

BYU  -  TCU

TCU  -  Iowa State

Baylor  -  Arizona

Tech  -  Houston

Utah  -  Arizona State

Colorado  -  Kansas State

Kansas  -  Cincy

Cincy  -  Kansas

UCF  -  Baylor

WVU  -  UCF

OSU  -  WVU

Houston  -  Colorado

Arizona  -  OSU

 

While we ISU fans were disappointed in the four game losing streak (the loss in Boulder was the worst B12 loss of the Campbell era) KSU may have been the biggest drop-off from August expectations. Baylor and Colorado have arguments,  but they retained their coaches for next year.

Tech achieved their potential, Arizona made a big jump up, and Houston is on a solid trajectory.

The league remains difficult to project from season to season. Don't bet on spots, kids. 

Admiration

A moment to admire the play of Josh Jefferson.

Iowa State would have probably found a way to best WVU without Jefferson on the floor, but his 10 point, 10 rebound, 10 assist triple-double made the win a lot easier.

 Jefferson's play, especially his passing skill from the high post, really drives the Iowa State offense. They are a very different offensive team when he is on the bench.

Enjoy Jefferson while we have him. His skills are both high level and rare.