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Iowa State entered Saturday’s game at Oklahoma coming off a close defeat to yet another ranked foe earlier in the week, and as a significant underdog. The Clones kept it close throughout, but the result left us with a familiar feeling, close but not quite there yet. Oklahoma jumped out to a quick 12-4 lead before Iowa State responded with a run of their own to lead 18-16. The game went back and forth throughout the first half and settled with an Oklahoma 4 point lead. With Iowa State teetering in the 2nd half, enough 3 point shots kept falling to make us think maybe today was the day for the breakthrough win. Iowa State even led the game 58-56 late in the 2nd half. Unfortunately, Oklahoma got their act together. A late run and another patented scoring drought put Oklahoma up 10 with about a minute to go. The offensive rebounds for 2nd chance points late proved to be the difference.
Rasir Bolton lead the way with 21 points and 7 rebounds. The Clones shot it uncharacteristically well from 3 point range, hitting 16 of 31 attempts(!). Solomon Young chipped in 12 points and 5 rebounds. Austin Reaves played a complete game for the Sooners with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Brady Manek’s Larry Bird impression wasn’t quite on point today, but he had a career high 15 rebounds.
The story of the season continues to be that this team is talented, but not ready to win yet. Nonetheless, this week’s 2 games give some reason for optimism heading into a busy week, with a trip to Fort Worth to play TCU on Tuesday next. Stayed tuned to WRNL for continued men’s basketball coverage.