The Cyclone season hasn't turned out like they were hoping after a 14-0 start. They lost four out of five after that, but they have revived it. Monday night they proved their worth. These past four games they have played ranked opponents, Kansas State, Kansas, Oklahoma, and now Oklahoma State. They fell to #6 ranked Kansas, but managed to pull out a win against the other three.
After three overtimes in Stillwater, Iowa State found themselves outlasting Ok. State and being on top 98-97. This was the first time in 26 years that Iowa State has beaten Ok. State in Oklahoma. Iowa State is off to one of its better starts in a long time. They have beaten six ranked opponents, and are currently 17-4. The only down side is that they are 5-4 in the Big 12. The Cyclones are not just looking for the Big 12 title, but maybe a national one.
Iowa State had some players who were able to perform on a very large stage, and under an immense amount of pressure. DeAndre Kane led the way with 26 points, 9 assists, and 9 rebounds. Melvin Ejim added to the cause with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Georges Niang had 17 points and 5 rebounds, while Monte Morris and Dustin Hogue both added 10 points. Hogue had 13 rebounds like Ejim. Kane and Ejim, and occasionally Niang, have shown that they are the leaders on this team, and when plays need to be made they are called upon. Unlike many programs, the Cyclones can rely on three to four players and not just one. This way when the target is guarded, another player can easily step up and make the big play. This separates the Clones from many of the top programs, and this may be a key part of their success, and their future success.
The Big 12 will not be easy to win this year. There are currently five ranked teams in the Big 12 (Kansas, Texas, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma), and Kansas State was ranked before they lost three of their last four. Kansas is currently leading the conference at 8-1 in the conference, but with four other teams ranked nationally it won't be easy for them to stay on top. Texas sits in second for the conference with a record of 7-2. Then there are four teams with four losses (Oklahoma, West Virginia, Iowa State, and Kansas State) closely behind them. Like the Big 10, the Big 12 is very strong and competitive this year, and its teams will be looking to make a run in the tournament.
This overtime thriller showed just how competitive the Big 12 is this year. These two teams, like many in their conference, need all the wins they can get so they can move up in the national rankings and conference standings. You will see a lot more from these two schools come March, I guarantee it.
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