Sunday, December 14th, 2014

Tonight I went to yet another Cyclone basketball game... an 88-78 victory over the Jaguars from Southern University.  This was actually the second game that I have seen Iowa State play vs Southern, the first being the 2012 season opener.  Southern University is a historically black college located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Their athletics program is part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

The Cyclones looked pretty rusty in the first half and actually trailed by 8 points midway through the first half.  This was not too surprising because I expected a bit of an emotional let-down after the big win for Iowa State just two days ago in Iowa City, 90-75.  However, by the second half Iowa State opened up a comfortable lead before coasting to only a 10-point victory.  All five Cyclone starters scored in double-figures.  They were led by Georges Niang and Bryce Dejean-Jones who each scored 18 points.  Other Cyclones in double-figures included Monte Morris (15), Naz Long (13), and Dustin Hogue (10).

The most memorable part of this game was that Southern was given two free throws before the tip-off.  I had never seen that before, but I guess there was a technical foul called on Iowa State because they dunked during warm-ups.

Southern led 2-0 before the opening tip on a pair of free throws after a technical foul on Iowa State.

Iowa State won the tip-off.

Cyclones win!

Tuesday, December 9th, 2014

Tonight Elizabeth and I were able to take Nolan to his first ISU men's basketball game of the season, a 73-56 victory for Iowa State over the Kangaroos of UMKC.  The 17-point victory for Iowa State was actually a surprisingly close game; when these two teams played last year Iowa State blew them out by a score of 110-51.

This was the third time that Nolan has been to a men's basketball game.  His first time was actually against the same UMKC team last year.  His second game was the memorable 48-point performance by Melvin Ejim vs TCU last season.  The game today did not prove to be as exciting, but it was still a lot of fun to take Nolan to a game.  The seats that we had today (4th row of section 133) were definitely the best seats that I have ever had for a game at Hilton Coliseum.  We were right at mid-court and had a spectacular view. Thanks to Erick Ude for getting us the incredible seats today.  Before the game we met up for pizza at Great Plains Sauce & Dough.

Bryce Dejean-Jones was the leading scorer for Iowa State with 22 points.  The only other Cyclone to score in double figures was Monte Morris, who added 13 points.

Thursday, December 4th, 2014

Well, quite a bit has happened since my last post... Elizabeth got a new (used) car, a Chevy Traverse, and we are really enjoying it so far.  We had a lovely Thanksgiving in Iowa City last week with the GLEKS side of the family.  However, the reason I am blogging today is because of the fun basketball game I just saw with Tim Nevins.

Iowa State's men's basketball team just dominated a good Arkansas Razorback team, winning by a score of 95-77.  Iowa State never trailed in this game, and they really took it to Arkansas early.  The Cyclones lead 52-32 at halftime and never looked back.  Coming into the game, Iowa State was ranked #20 in the nation, and Arkansas was ranked #18.  This was the fourth time that I have witnessed Iowa State face off against a team when both were ranked in the top-25, and I am happy to say that Iowa State is 4-0 in those games!  The others were vs Iowa, vs Texas, and vs Oklahoma last season.

If I had to pick a player of the game today for Iowa State it would have to be Georges Niang.  He scored 26 points, dished out 8 assists, and collected 6 rebounds.  It was impressive how he was able to score in a number of ways (spinning drives to the basket, hook shots, bank shots, up & under moves, three pointers, etc).  Although a close second for player of the game was Bryce Dejean-Jones.  He tallied a game high 27 points on 8 for 8 shooting from the field and added 6 rebounds.  He had a monster dunk in transition, and he was 4 for 4 from three point range.  All five of Iowa State's starters finished scoring in double digits including Houge (14), Morris (11), and Long (10).

A view of the action from our seats in section 216.

My usual scoreboard picture... ISU 95, Arkansas 77.