Iowa State falls to Michigan 76-83 in the first round of the Battle 4 Atlantis

Iowa State took on unbeaten Michigan in the opening game of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas.

The game started out with just about everyone getting involved on the offensive end. All five starters had at least two points less than six minutes into the game. The Cyclone’s offensive explosion led to a quick 17-6 lead over the Wolverines.

The Cyclone’s second unit would then struggle on the defensive end letting Michigan get back into the game–taking a 22-21 lead with less than 10 minutes left in the half. Fortunately George Conditt’s four points was just enough offensive production to keep the Cyclones close.

Tyrese Haliburton was able to close out the half on fire. He scored the last seven points for the Clones’–keeping them within striking distance, down only four points heading into the second half.

The second half couldn’t have started much worse for Iowa State. Michigan jumped out to an 11-2 run–taking a 52-39 lead with 16:30 remaining. Michael Jacobson and Solomon Young were the only two players to score for the first five minutes of the second half.

Tyrese Haliburton did his best to carry Iowa State back into the game. The sophomore guard scored 11 of the Cyclone’s next 23 to cut the lead to 62-70, with six minutes left.

Haliburton would finish with a team high and career high 25 points, along with nine rebounds, five assists, and four steals. But he could never cut the Michigan lead under six points.

The Cyclones struggles from behind the three point line were ultimately too much to overcome. If Iowa State wants to take the next step as a team they will need to consistently knock down jump shots, and preferably shoot higher than 23.8% from three point land as a team.

*Iowa State will take on the loser of North Carolina and Alabama, tomorrow night at 5:30.