Iowa State Almost Gets #8 Missouri, 78-72

Cyclone fans should feel good about Iowa State’s performance tonight down in Columbia.  However, the Cyclones could have (and maybe should have) won that game.  The game was tied with under four minutes to go, but ISU couldn’t finish the game.

Royce White dominated the first half.  He was scoring (made two 3-pointers) and dishing out assists.  Once again, Iowa State stopped going to Royce White in the second half and it costed them the game.  If Royce had more looks in the second half, the Cyclones may be playing for the 2 seed in the Big 12 Tournament on Saturday.  Oh well.  White still had a great game as he finished with 20 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds.

I don’t like pointing out a lot of negatives after a solid performance, but Iowa State could have won this game if they could have cleaned it up.  Scott Christopherson was cold to start the game.  He picked it up and became more aggressive and was taking to the hoop.  He was drawing contact but wasn’t getting any calls.  Scotty finished 5 for 15 from the field and 4 turnovers.  Scott Christopherson wasn’t the only one having problems taking care of the ball as the team (Scotty included) turned the ball over 15 times.

So with all of the negatives, the Cyclones almost pulled off the upset.  That itself is a positive but there were others too.  Melvin Ejim had a double-double, Chris Babb knocked down three 3-pointers, and Bubu Palo had a lot of minutes.  In the end, Michael Dixon and Mizzou were too much.

Even with the loss, the Cyclones still can be the 3 seed in next week’s Big 12 Tournament if they beat Baylor in Ames this weekend.  Hilton will be packed and the fact that it is senior night seems like the perfect ingredients for an upset over Baylor.