Iowa State Dropkicks Baylor, 83-66

After three straight losses and limited time, Iowa State had to bounce back and collect some momentum before the Big Dance. No better chance than playing in Kansas City. Turns out that Hilton South was exactly what this team needed as Iowa State takes down Baylor 83-66.

Baylor was the draw in the Big 12 Tournament, a team that had beaten Iowa State twice prior to this duel at the Sprint Center.

Iowa State started out running and gunning, Talen Horton-Tucker specifically. He scored a quick nine points on three of four shooting from three. However, Makai Mason was right there with him. Mason match THT with a few three pointers of his own. Both teams traded shots all half until the last five minutes, where Iowa State gave themselves a cushion.

Coming into today, the biggest concern was offensive rebounding. The Bears dominated everyone on the glass all year long, including Iowa State.

In the first half, Iowa State contained it. Baylor had six offensive rebounds while Iowa State pulled down 5. This was a huge reason that Iowa State went into the locker room with a nine point lead.

Iowa State came out in the second firing on all cylinders. Tyrese Haliburton opened up with two quick threes. Marial Shayok found his groove in the second half and hit several daggers in the face of Bears defenders.

The Cyclones were also very active with their hands on defense, they had seven steals on the day. Most of those resulted in fast break points.

Talen Horton was scorching hot all day, he had 21 points. Marial Shayok was clutch with 18 of his own. Lindell Wigginton played some big minutes off of the bench and scored 16 points. Tyrese Haliburton rounded out the Cyclones in double figures with 13 points.

Iowa State dominated Baylor at their own game. A huge part of that was Michael Jacobsen. The big man was tough as nails all game long, hauling down 7 rebounds.

It truly was a team effort, everyone played their part, everyone played an unselfish style of ball, and they annihilated Baylor.

Steve Prohm’s team will take on the the winner of Kansas State and TCU tomorrow night at 6 PM.