Sunday, December 15th, 2024

Today I took Nolan over to Hilton Coliseum, where we watched the #3 Iowa State Cyclones defeat the Omaha Mavericks, 83-51.  The #3 ranking is tied for the highest ranking that the Cyclones have ever had!  

I would say that Keshon Gilbert was the player of the game for Iowa State, as he led the team with 16 points and had 4 assists.  He was one of 5 Cyclones in double figures scoring, as he was joined by Milan Momcilovic (13), Joshua Jefferson (13), Tamin Lipsey (11), and Nate Heise (10).  The Cyclones started out the game kind of sloppy, and midway through the first half the game was tied at 21.  However, the Cyclones would close out the first half on a 20-2 run that helped to decide the game.  

Today marks the fourth time that I have seen the Cyclones play (and defeat) Omaha.  The previous times were in 2018, 2016, and back in 2012.  As for Nolan, this was the second time he has been to a game against Omaha (2016), and it was his 39th men's basketball game overall.  

Iowa State 83, Omaha 51.

Sunday, December 8th, 2024

 Today I took Maxwell over to Hilton Coliseum, where we watched the #6 Iowa State men's basketball team completely overwhelm the Jackson State Tigers, 100-58.  Jackson State is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), and they are from Jackson, Mississippi.  

Today's game was the 33rd that Maxwell has attended.  One fun thing about today's game is that Maxwell was able to take a nice picture with Cy!  As for myself, this is the second time that I have seen ISU play Jackson State (2021 was the other time).  

I would say that Curtis Jones was the player of the game for the Cyclones, as he led the team with 19 points.  He was joined in double figures scoring by Milan Momcilovic (18), Dishon Jackson (17), Keshon Gilbert (16), and Joshua Jefferson (10).  The Cyclones forced Jackson State into 24 turnovers.  

Maxwell and Cy!

 

Wednesday, December 4th, 2024

 Tonight Nolan and I enjoyed watching the #6 Iowa State Cyclones win a showdown against #5 Marquette, 81-70.  Tonight marks the TENTH time that I have witnessed the Cyclones defeat a top-10 ranked opponent.  The previous games were:

• #7 Kansas in 2024
• #7 Texas in 2023
• #8 Kansas in 2023
• #5 Kansas in 2019
• #8 Texas Tech in 2018
• #9 Baylor in 2017
• #1 Oklahoma in 2016
• #9 Kansas in 2015
• #7 Michigan in 2013

As for Nolan, today's game is the 38th men's basketball game that he has attended.  This was the third time that he has seen ISU play a top-25 ranked team.  The previous times were the win against #8 Kansas in 2023 and a loss to #1 Baylor in 2022.  Nolan did a good job of paying attention during the game, and he wanted to do a cute little handshake with me every time Iowa State made a basket.  We even made it onto the jumbotron in Hilton thanks to Nolan, as he was able to scan the QR code and take a video of us on his phone!

Today's game was great.  There was a sold-out crowd that packed into Hilton, and it was a "white out", where everyone was encouraged to wear white.  Iowa State started out strong in the first half and led 46-37 at halftime.  Marquette did battle back to tie the game at 61 before the Cyclones went on a 14-0 run that took control of the game in the second half.  The player of the game for Iowa State was Keshon Gilbert, who scored 24 points and dished out 7 assists.  He was joined in double figures scoring by Joshua Jefferson (15), Curtis Jones (14), and Dishon Jackson (11).  This win should come in handy for ISU's resume on Selection Sunday.  

GO STATE!