Tuesday, January 24th, 2017

I just got back from watching the Cyclones hold off the Kansas State Wildcats, 70-65.  This game was way more stressful than it needed to be.  After getting off to a hot start in the first half, the Cyclones led by as many as 20 points in the second half.  However, before you knew it, they had blown the entire lead, and Kansas State came back to actually take a one point lead late in the second half.  Thankfully, the Cyclones managed to make some key plays down the stretch to seal the victory.
Matt Thomas was the player of the game for the Cyclones.  He scored a career-high 25 points, which included shooting 7 of 10 from three point land.  He had 20 points in the first half.  Thomas was joined in double-figures scoring for the Cyclones by Naz Long (13) and Monte Morris (12).  Coming into today's game, both teams were receiving votes in the AP top-25, but neither team was ranked.

This is the fifth time that I have seen Iowa State play (and defeat) Kansas State.  The previous times were back in 2016, 2013, 2012, and in 2003.

Iowa State 70, Kansas State 65.

Monday, January 16th, 2017

I just got back from Hilton Coliseum after watching the Iowa State Cyclones lose a hard-fought game against the #2 ranked Kansas Jayhawks, 76-72.  The Jayhawks led for most of the game, double digits at times, and ISU just could not quite close the gap.  Kansas did have a 10 point lead with under two minutes to play, but Monte Morris and Naz Long connected on back to back three-pointers to make it interesting.

One thing that I will remember about this game was the fun atmosphere.  There was a light-up foam stick placed at every seat that would flash red when turned on.  That made for a pretty cool scene when the stadium's lights were turned down for player introductions.  

Monte Morris was the player of the game for Iowa State.  He finished with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals.  He was joined in double-figure scoring by Deonte Burton (21) and Naz Long (18).  The problem was that besides those three guys, the rest of the team only combined for 10 points.  

Tonight was the third time that I have seen ISU play Kansas, but unfortunately the Cyclones have only won one of those games (back in 2015).  

Pregame where you can see everyone's glow stick.

Kansas won the opening tip.

Saturday, January 7th, 2017

Iowa State 79, Texas 70.

Today Eben came down to spend the day playing with the grandkids, and then he joined me at the game to watch the Cyclones handle the Longhorns.  Iowa State seemed in control for most of the game tonight as they led by as many as 14 points in the second half.  Deonte Burton was the player of the game for Iowa State, as he scored a game-high 27 points.  Burton even made a three-pointer right before the half to put the Cyclones up nine, 40-31.  Monte Morris also played a very complete game for the Cyclones as he scored 22 points, collected 10 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists.  The only other player in double figures for Iowa State was Naz Long, who had 11 points.  I will remember one bone-head play by Naz in this game.  At one point he had a break away where he was all by himself, and he tried to dunk it with two hands.  He missed the dunk, and then he was called for a technical foul for hanging on the rim afterwards.

This is the sixth time that I have seen Iowa State play (and defeat) Texas.  The others were back in 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and back in 2004.

Go State!