Wow. I've got a lot on my mind after today's thrilling basketball game, where the #23 Cyclones defeated #7 Kansas, 79-75. I just hope that I can remember it all here...
For starters, the atmosphere inside Hilton and the game itself were both top notch. It was a sold-out crowd, and today's game was a "white out", where fans were encouraged to all wear white. The crowd actually did a very good job of this. Students had camped outside for DAYS just to be in line for the game. It was loud. We danced to Juicy Wiggle. Tons of fun. After the win, the crowd stormed the court to celebrate.
Tre King was the player of the game for Iowa State. He scored a game-high 21 points and collected 9 rebounds. King was joined in double figures scoring for the Cyclones by Keshon Gilbert (16), Curtis Jones (15), and Tamin Lipsey (10). Gilbert made a dagger 3-pointer with less than a minute to play that turned a 2-point Cyclone advantage into a 5-point lead that really helped put the game away. As a team, Iowa State connected on 14 three pointers!
Maxwell was able to come along with me for today's game, which was the first time that he has witnessed the Cyclones play (and defeat) the Jayhawks. Of course, one of my goals is to take both kids to see Iowa State wins against every team in the Big 12 conference. For Maxwell, he has now seen them defeat Kansas, Texas in 2023, Kansas State in 2020, West Virginia in 2018, TCU in 2017, and Baylor in 2017. So, with regards to the "Old Big 12", Maxwell still needs to see wins vs Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech. Of course the conference did expand this year to include BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF. Next year the conference will add Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah. So... there is plenty of work left to do!
With today's big win, it got me wondering what top-25 teams the kids have seen Iowa State play in basketball. For Maxwell, the Cyclones have gone 4-0 in games against top-25 teams when he has been in attendance. That includes today's game vs #7 Kansas, #7 Texas in 2023, #15 West Virginia in 2018, and #9 Baylor in 2017. He's been a good luck charm for the Cyclones!
Nolan has only attended two games against top-25 competition. That includes a win vs #8 Kansas last year and a loss to #1 Baylor in 2022.
For myself, today marks the 8th time that I have attended a men's basketball game between Iowa State and Kansas. The Cyclones have won four of those (today, 2023, 2019, and 2015). The Jayhawks have won in 2020, 2018, 2017, and in 2013.
I also got to wondering how many times I have seen Iowa State defeat teams ranked in the top-10. Well, the answer is NINE times so far. That includes:
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