Disappointed.
Shocked.
Frustrated.
These are some of the words I would use to describe Iowa State’s 73-69 loss to Scott Drew and the Baylor Bears, who, frankly, own Steve Prohm. I don’t think I’ve ever been as perplexed by a lack of attention to detail that this team showed on Tuesday night. They played selfish basketball and did not execute on the defensive end of the floor.
Don’t even get me started on rebounding.
Iowa State gave up an asinine 18 offensive rebounds after holding opponents over their last 5 games to grab an average of 8.2.
Michael Jacobson and Cam Lard, who played 19 and 21 minutes, respectively, combined for 6 TOTAL rebounds. Meanwhile, 6’5” Mark Vital for Baylor had 5 offensive rebounds BY HIMSELF. Want to know how the Cyclones lost this game? There’s your answer.
The play seen above is completely on Talley. He gets caught ball-watching and his man saunters down the lane for an easy put-back.
THT gets completely thrown off the ball here, and even through a packed lane Baylor gets a dunk.
Game Notes
- The last roughly 6 minutes or so Iowa State scored only 4 points from the field. After re-watching that final stretch one thing I did notice is that the Cyclones did generate some very makeable shots that just didn’t fall. But this has been a problem that has plagued the Clones all year: Going cold for extended stretches of time. So how do you solve a problem like that? For one, getting to the line helps. In that final 6 minutes Iowa State shot only 2 free throws.
- I have no idea why Zoran Talley even played in this game. He’s a non-threat from the perimeter that isn’t quick enough to defend smaller guards nor bang in the low post. Final statline: 5 minutes, 0 points, 1 assist, 1 block. And yes, I understand 5 minutes isn’t really enough to make an impact, which is exactly why he shouldn’t have been in in the first place.
- Should Prohm have gone with 2 bigs on the floor at any point this game? I side with no. Iowa State’s offense is predicated on pace and space and 2 bigs could ruin the flow of the offense. Don’t give me the “But Jacobson can shoot 3’s” argument either: He shoots 30% on 1.5 attempts per game, gimme a break.
- Iowa State’s inability to defend Hilton has been one of the biggest surprises of the year. Time and time again in the past we’ve seen teams rollover and die after a back-breaking 3 pointer or hustle play on defense. But this year opposing teams have waltzed in and played aggressive and loose in a place that has seen it’s fair share of miraculous wins and magic.
- For the record, I’m still not giving up on this team. They have too much talent and have a ridiculously high ceiling. Will they win the Big 12? I’d say no. Can they get hot and win the Big 12 Tournament? Absolutely. Can they put it all together for 6 straight games in March? Probably not, but that’s why you play the game. Time will tell.
Alright, this game was an absolutely brutal re-watch. I need a beer.
Iowa State returns to action on Saturday @ TCU.