KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In the midst of the energetic hype man’s constant presence during each timeout, Shaquille O’Neal seated courtside, pulsating DJ music, and a genuine speakeasy beneath T-Mobile Center, the primary inquiry arose.
Amidst the bottle service distractions, how can the No. 7 Cyclones encapsulate the essence of basketball excellence displayed in the Big 12 Tournament this week?
The answer remains uncertain as we embark on the enchanting journey of the upcoming three weekends of madness. Nonetheless, for a remarkable evening, Iowa State’s comprehensive victory over No. 1 in the Big 12 Tournament championship overshadowed the meticulously crafted club ambiance by commissioner Brett Yormark.
And rightfully so.
Iowa State compelled Houston to confront its defensive prowess, forcing them to acknowledge the stark reality: facing the Cougars is typically a challenging ordeal. However, on Saturday, the Cyclones outperformed them significantly.
The Houston team that coerced three shot clock violations on Friday encountered repeated frustrations in finding effective shots. The same team that caused to miss 56 shots a few days earlier plummeted to a season-low 26.8% field goal percentage.
“Yesterday felt like a level playing field,” remarked Houston coach Kelvin Sampson regarding Friday’s semifinal victory over Texas Tech. “Today, the odds didn’t seem to be in our favor. All credit to Iowa State’s supporters.”
The endearing Cyclones and their fervent following, seemingly emerging from the flatlands of Iowa every March to bask in the tournament’s spotlight, are currently at the peak of their performance, both on the court and in the stands.
In fact, Iowa State’s commanding 28-point triumph on Saturday night marked the most extensive victory margin over a top-ranked team in the AP Top 25 in the last 55 seasons, since defeated Houston by 32 in the 1968 Final Four.
“It’s an incredible high,” expressed Iowa State senior forward .
Saturday night undoubtedly stood out as one of the pinnacle moments in the illustrious history of Iowa State basketball. While the Cyclones had split their previous matchups with Houston this season, this victory in the conference tournament final against a presumed No. 1 seed in a venue that transforms into “Hilton South” during such occasions was truly significant.
The loyal fans of Hilton Coliseum make the pilgrimage down I-35 from Ames, Iowa, to Kansas City each March, at least in spirit—and in their beer cups—according to every devoted Cyclone.
“People watching this game on TV may have pitied one team,” quipped Sampson. “But they witnessed a vibrant arena and experienced the essence of the Big 12 brand.”
The strength of that brand may become apparent come Selection Sunday. The conference commenced Saturday with five teams ranked among the top 20 in the NET rankings.
Now, it’s time to deliver.
Houston, entering the NCAA Tournament with a 30-4 record, suffered its most significant defeat since Kelvin Sampson took over in 2014. The last time Houston faced such a defeat was in James Dickey’s final game as the Cougars’ coach in 2014, losing to by 29.
However, the current Cougars still harbor hopes of a championship if they can regain full strength.
On the other hand, this Iowa State squad might be the most formidable since the 2001 team that secured 25 wins but was upset in the first round by a No. 15 seed.
The deafening noise in the arena wasn’t the only constant on Saturday. The Cyclones displayed superior size and agility compared to the Cougars, underscoring a growing concern for Houston as they head into the NCAA Tournament.
, a transfer, contributed 16 points and six rebounds en route to earning the Most Outstanding Player accolade. Freshman sharpshooter added 18 points. Iowa State now boasts a perfect 5-0 record in Big 12 Tournament title games, with only one victory achieved as the top seed.
Houston suddenly finds itself lacking frontcourt depth. Sampson opted to rest the injured big during the second half as the game’s outcome became evident. Junior (6-foot-8, 240 pounds) fouled out, while the Big 12 Player of the Year fell short of the Most Outstanding Player honor, shooting a mere 3-of-17 from the field.
Despite being the nation’s top defensive team in efficiency, according to KenPom.com, Houston was outplayed by the second-ranked team in that regard—Iowa State. The Cyclones not only displayed superior size but also exhibited a more aggressive and hungry style of play.
“I am at a loss for words,” remarked King. “Prior to preparing for this game, we anticipated a tough battle. We were ready for a hard-fought contest. To secure an early victory was immensely satisfying for us.”
This triumph is a significant boost for Iowa State and the Big 12. As we embark on this mystical and magical period, this game alone exemplified the depth and quality of the conference. If Houston claims the top overall seed, what does that imply about Iowa State, apart from the fact that the Cyclones are departing as a formidable No. 2 seed?
“I believe our potential extends to defeating the best team in the country,” stated Iowa State guard . “We have just taken down Houston.”