Some nights, it just isn't meant to be. Iowa State spent large portions of this game playing some of their worst basketball of the year and despite multiple comeback efforts, the Cyclones just couldn't overcome themselves, dropping a 74-73 heartbreaker on the road.
Bryce Dejean-Jones gave Iowa State a one point lead on a corner 3 with 12 second left, but Kenny Chery came back the other way and buried a mid-range jumper after a blatant push off to give the Bears the victory. The fact that the refs swallowed their whistles on that play was a microcosm of the night as far as breaks going Iowa State's way went.
Still, this Cyclone team couldn't get out of their own way for most of the night as evidenced by digging themselves a 17-point hole early in the first half and spending most of the second half down by double digits. For the second straight game, Iowa State was abused on the glass, giving up 19 offensive rebounds to Baylor after they gave up 19 on Saturday night to West Virginia.
Offensively, Iowa State actually had a decent night, shooting 46.4% from the floor and 10-19 from outside. ISU also dished out 20 assists and turned it over only 9 times. Unfortunately, there was that 11-19 from the charity stripe that is going to stick out like a sore thumb.
Defensively, Baylor was sizzling from deep early and finished the first half 8-15 from outside. The Bears cooled off over the course of the game, but second chance opportunities allowed them to keep Iowa State at a distance for most of the night.
Naz Long led ISU with 19 points and drained 5-5 from outside. Bryce Dejean-Jones had 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in a solid effort for the senior. Georges Niang shook off an abysmal first 35 minutes of the game to rally for 9 clutch points late as he also made his way into double figures. Monte Morris quietly put together 11 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds and 2 steals.
Iowa State falls to 2-1 in league play with the loss and returns home to host Kansas on Saturday at 8 PM.