Hubalek improving his stock

During the second half of the season, a reporter asked Cyclones' coach Greg McDermott if center Jiri Hubalek was making a case for himself to earn some money after graduation.
"Absolutely," said McDermott of Hubalek's play during the seaon.
He made an even bigger argument this weekend when the former ISU center earned all-tournament honors at the Portsmith Invitational last weekend.
Hubalek averaged 17.7 points and 8.7 rebounds during the tournament.
" was a great feeling to be able to go there and play well,” Hubalek said in a press release. “I am a competitor and I love to compete. It was a fun experience.”
How much longer do you think Hubalek can compete? Will he have to go back overseas to his homeland in Prague, Czech Republic?

Curtis Stinson returns

DES MOINES, Ia- Liked what you saw out of Curtis Stinson Thursday night? Iowa Energy coach Nick Nurse is excited about what he could see.
The 6’3, 215 pound former ISU guard made his debut with the D-League team last night with a 16 point performance at Wells Fargo Arena.
“He’s got good size and strength which is good at the NBA level,” Nurse said.
So good that Nurse thinks Stinson is, “on the fringe of the NBA,” he said.
Stinson brought many of the 4,375 fans to their feet when he checked into the game late in the second quarter.
With six games remaining on the Energy’s schedule, Nurse hopes to have him back for next season.
Iowa has three home games remaining this season with their next coming Thursday when they host the Dakota Wizards.
Will the addition of Stinson bring you to the Well? Nurse is banking on it.
"I think there are a lot of Cyclone fans and this just gives them more of a reason to come and cheer on the Energy," he said.

Iowa State Football Pro Day Wrap Up

Jerry Moses liked what he saw. Now he’s waiting to see what the scouts thought.
The Waterloo native and father of former Cyclone J.J. Moses watched his younger son and former ISU wide receiver Milan Moses work out for 25 NFL scouts Wednesday during Pro Day in Ames.
“It was fun,” the oldest Moses said. “I thought he (Milan) did pretty good today. Could have been a little better but overall I thought he did a good job.”
The highlight of his day came during a twenty minute session in which Moses, along with wide receiver Todd Blythe and tight end Ben Barkema caught passes for Bret Meyer.
The former Cyclone play caller completed 22-of-32 passes during the sesson and threw the ball strong, crisp, and comfortably.
“I felt good,” Meyer said. “I did everything I wanted to do. I felt like I helped myself a little bit.”

Iowa State Football Pro Day

The Iowa State football team isn’t the only ones taking the field this week. The Cyclones host pro day tomorrow, with a number of former ISU players working out for NFL scouts coming to Ames. They’ll participate in a weight lifting session, 40-yard dash, and individual skill workouts.
So far, ISU officials have confirmed that only linebacker Alvin Bowen will be there, although former wide receiver Todd Blythe said last month he’ll work out. He hopes to improve on his 40-yard dash time of 4.61 seconds that he turned in at the NFL Scouting Combine last month in Indianapolis.
“I’m going to do everything again here and see if I can improve and move myself up,” Blythe said after the combine.

Spring football

Spring football practice officially begins tomorrow. While Coach Gene Chizik will enter his second year at as head coach, there aren’t as many question marks going into this season as his first.
With the annual spring game just weeks away on April 19th, what are you looking forward to the most?
The quarterback battle between Austen Arnaud and Phillip Bates?
The emergence of Alexander Robinson at running back? Can J.J. Bass and Jason Scales challenge him for playing time?
There’s plenty to look forward to with it all starting tomorrow but what’s catching your eye?

Live from the Big 12 tournament-Brackins and A&M seeing eye-to-eye

KANSAS CITY, Mo.- Excited for next season's Iowa State men’s basketball team? You’re not the only one. Texas A&M assistant coach Mike Rohn sat next to me during the second round matchup of the Big 12 tournament between Nebraska and Kansas Friday.
His Aggies face Kansas State in an hour just a day after eliminating the Cyclones’ from the tournament with a 60-47 win.
He liked what he saw Thursday.
“They’ve got a bright future,” Rohn said.
Including freshman Craig Brackins who Rohn predicts will be a first-team all conference selection in the future.
Brackins sees great things for the rest of his team.
“We’ve learned a lot,” Brackins said. “I feel like the sky is the limit for us. I feel like we’re going to be tough next year. I can’t wait.”

Live from the Big 12 tournament- The end for Rahshon Clark

KANSAS CITY, Mo.-You could see the tears coming from Rahshon Clark's eyes as he left the court for the final time as a Cyclone Thursday. What you couldn't see was how proud he was.
"I'm not disappointed," Clark said. "We went out there and gave it everything we had. The guys never gave up; we tried our best and that's all I can ask for."
A week ago, I posed the questions to fans after the all-century team celebration, should Clark be mentioned with the likes of Fred Hoiberg and Kelvin Cato. In the lockeroom after the game, I asked him.
"I would love to be named one of those players," he said. "I really can't say, it's not for me to decide."
What is left for him to decide is what's next on the senior's agenda. He'll graduate with a degree in criminal justice. He said he isn't ready to give up basketball quite yet. That wasn't hard to tell as Clark was the last player in the lockeroom with his jersey on afterwards.
"Just see where basketball takes me," said Clark. "I'm not going to stop playing basketball just as of yet. I'm too young, I have to get going."

Around the horn, court-Live from the Big 12 Tournament

KANSAS CITY, Mo.- Just ran into Kevin Blackistone from Around the Horn. Blackistone, who has done work with the Dallas Morning News, is in town working with XM Satellite Radio covering the Big 12 tournament. He’ll be in the booth when the Cyclones’ take on Texas A&M at 8:30 p.m. tonight.
“I’ve watched some good Iowa State teams over the years,” Blackistone said.
Not quite the same type of team he said he’s seen this year.

Live from the Big 12 Tournament

KANSAS CITY, Mo.- Looking for a little hope? No. 12 seed Colorado just upset Baylor 91-84 during the first round of the Big 12 tournament at the Spring Center Thursday. It’s an 8:30 p.m. tipoff tonight and walking around Kansas City I’ve caught a few fans with ISU gear on. Have you made the trip? Are you watching the game on television tonight hoping for another upset?

Road Trip to Kansas City

Nick Paulson and I will be heading to the heart of America tomorrow for the start of the Big 12 tournament. The Cyclones kick off the nightcap with a 8:30 tip off against Texas A&M. It'll be our first trip covering the tournament there. It'll also be the first time in Kansas City for the Big 12 tournament for one other person, ISU coach Greg McDermott.
"I haven't had an opportunity to experience it personally yet, (but I'M) really looking forward to that," McDermott said. "We need any edge we can get."
Especially against an Aggies team that handed the Cyclones their worst home loss of the season with a 69-51 dismantling of ISU on Jan. 18.
Despite the opponent, McDermott sounded eager to get down to the Sprint Center to see what everything is about. They hit the road today.
"I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "I've heard so much about it and what an impact Iowa State fans have in Kansas City and i'll be fun to experience it first hand."

Senior Day

Fans remember the dunks, I remember the first time I met Rahshon Clark.
The 6'6, 210 pound senior was shooing baskets near the hoop on media day. For twenty minutes, I talked with Clark about the upcoming season, the point guard battle, his relationship with former coach Wayne Morgan, and how easily it could have been for the Queens, NY native to jump ship during the coaching changes. He answered each quetion openly and honetly.
Today, Clark, along with Jiri Hubalek, Mark Currie, and Mike Smith, will play his final game at Hilton Coliseum.
"The season went by real fast. Four years went by fast," said Clark this past week in an interview with the Daily. "It seems like just yesterday I was a freshman."
That day could sum up Clarks' career as a Cyclone full of ups and downs.
A win against Kansas and an appearence in the NCAA tournament. A coaching change and the departure of friends Curtis Stinson, Will Blalock and Mike Taylor.
Clark will leave ISU as the only play in Big 12 history to record 1,000 points, 100 blocks, 100 steals, and 100 3 pointers in a career.
Iowa State honored it's All-Century team this year. Does Clark have a future spot on that roster?

State tournament time for recruits

Caught any of the state boy’s basketball tournament at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines?
If not, there’s a pretty good one going on in Nebraska.
Cyclones’ recruit Wes Eikmeier scored 29 points as his team the Fremont Bergans Knights advanced to the second round of the Nebraska boy’s state tournament.
The 6’3 guard, was in town recently to catch a Cyclones game and followed that game up with a 35-point performance Friday to put the Knights into the championship game.
Not impressed by that? How about future ISU forward Justin Hamilton who helped lead his Lone Peak squad to back-to-back class 5A Utah state championships with a 10 points, six rebounds, and 10 block performance.
“These guys have great backgrounds,” said Cyclones’ assistant coach Jeff Rutter. “We’re anxious to have them here on campus and help us as we continue to move forward.”

Getting the offensive spark

Assistant coach Jeff Rutter said he thinks the best offensive game plan against Missouri is one off the dribble. Enter freshman Diante Garrett who is averaging 5.9 points and 2.8 assists per games.
“Diante Garrett gives us our best chance in that area of penetrating the defense and trying to create good scoring opportunities for his teammates,” Rutter said.
Garrett, who has started only three games for the Cyclones this season, has seen a steady rise in playing time this season, logging 29 minutes against Colorado Saturday.
The Cyclones will need any spark they can get with seniors Rahshon Clark and Jiri Hubalek still nursing injuries.
Garrett could be that match. In their last four losses, ISU has scored only 64 points.
“We’re really trying to have our guards find each other and create some shots that way,” Rutter said.
Do you think Garrett is the answer?

Injury report

Word out of the Cyclones is that seniors Jiri Hubalek and Rahshon Clark were still nursing injuries. Hubalek, who has an injured ankle is expected to play Wednesday while Clark, who sat out of Saturday's game is still dealing with an injured knee. On Monday, Cyclones' assistant coach Jeff Rutter said Clark was, "questionable," for Wednesday's game.

Iowa State vs. Kansas, post-game

Iowa State currently ranks 137 on the RPI standings. Perhaps a little misleading? The Cyclones' schedule has included games with Drake, whose bounced around the Top 25, Baylor, who is rapidly rising in the Big 12, Nebraska who knocked off Kansas State, No. 18 Texas A&M, No. 12 Texas and No. 6 Kansas. Wednesday they might have faced the best of them all in the Jayhawks.
"I think they are the most complete team in the country," McDermott said.
With their loss last night, ISU has dropped 10 straight games to ranked opponents. With the Big 12 tournament just around the corner, the Cyclones will most like get a crack at, at least one more. Can they end the streak this season?

How bad do they need this?

The Cyclones have lost nine games in a row to ranked opponents. They let an overtime win slip away from them against Texas on Feb. 9. ESPN will be there tonight. It's expected to be a sellout and the last time before the Big 12 tournament the Cyclones get some heavy coverage. How bad do they need this win?
I'll be blogging periodically from press row throughout the game tonight.

What a win against Kansas would mean

Sean Haluska has only been around a half a season, but the junior college transfer from Carroll has no doubts about what a win against No. 6 Kansas could do for his struggling Cyclones' team.
"Anytime you beat a ranked opponent it's just going to give your team a boost of confidence and that could very well be the case Wednesday," Haluska said.
The Cyclones' last win over Kansas? Feb. 17, 2001 at Hilton Coliseum where Iowa State defeated the Jayhawks 79-71. Iowa State finished the season 25-6 (13-3 in the Big 12).
Senior Rahshon Clark was on that squad.
"That'd be a huge win," Clark said of tomorrow's game. "That'd be a great confident builder."
There are no Big 12 regular season title hopes on the line for Iowa State this season, but what do you think a win tomorrow night could do?

Up and Down Times of the Haluska family

Sean Haluska isn't the only member of his family having success. The Cyclones' junior guard's younger brother Blake Haluska is averaging 12.7 points per game for Carroll who is one victory away from punching a ticket to the Iowa High School state basketball tournament.
Sean, who scored a career high 15 points on Saturday against Texas Tech, said he is feeling as confident as he's ever been. The 6'3, 200 pound guard started the season missing his first 26 shots from 3-point range to open the season.
"I wasn't shooting the ball with confidence at the beginning of the year and these past few games I've just been a lot more confident," Sean said.
Both of Sean's parents will be in town Wednesday when the Cyclones host No. 6 Kansas. The one Haluska who won't be there? Older brother and former Cyclone and Hawkeye Adam Haluska was traded to the Houston Rockets last week. Several media outlets have reported he could be released as early as today.
"It's pretty interesting how the NBA life goes day-to-day," Sean said. "Your not sure where you're going to be. We'll just have to see how it goes."

Cyclones at the NFL Scouting Combine

Alvin Bowen’s dream has always been to play in the NFL.
This past weekend, he’s taken a step closer to fulfilling that as the former Cyclone linebacker has participated in the NFL’s annual Scouting Combine.
“For the most part everyone says they love the way I play,” Bowen said in a telephone interview from the combine. “I play with a passion; it’s what they love to see.”
So far, the 6’3, 224 pound linebacker has met with officials from the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. Bowen, who led the nation in tackles per game in 2006, was a second-team All-Big 12 selection after recording 99 tackles in 2007.
Now, he’s showing teams how he does it.
“Not only have I gotten to show my face but I’ve got to sit down, talk with scouts,” he said. “They get a feel for me.”
Bowen, is joined by former Cyclone teammates wide receiver Todd Blythe and defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin as the only Iowa State players participating in the Scouting Combine.

Getting Craig Brackins on track

Two weeks ago, Cyclones' coach Greg McDermott said he wasn't ready to send freshman Craig Brackins to the bench. Saturday, he did for the entire second half of Iowa State's 60-52 win over Nebraksa. Brackins, who is averaging 10.9 points per game, in 27.6 minutes of playing, but against the Cornhuskers, played a season low seven minutes. Is it time to bench him?

Catching up with Mike T

I spent about fourty five minutes last week doing a telephone interview with former Cyclone guard Mike Taylor. Taylor, who was dismissed from the Cyclones after numerous off the court violations. The most striking part of our conversation? What Taylor had to say about ISU coach Greg McDermott removing him from the team.
"I'm thankful that coach Mac (McDermott) and everybody tried to get me on track and everything," Taylor said. "It just wasn't the time for me."
This weekend it was. Taylor was back in town while the Iowa Energy hosted his Developmental League team, the Idaho Stampede.He scored 23 points in the Stampede's 108-100 victory over the Energy.
In conversations that I had with McDermott, he said nothing but good things about Taylor and even classified his leaving as "on good terms."
They must have been. I ran into Taylor during the Cyclones' victory over Nerbraska Saturday. He was high fiving McDermott during timeouts, sitting with Lucca Staiger by the Cyclones' bench and even saying, "hi" to ISU Athletic Director Jamie Pollard. While my story about Taylor ran in last week's Iowa State Daily, enclosed are some things that didn't make it in.
On his relationship with current Iowa State players and coaches: "I still talk to everybody because we were a family then and nothing changed," he said. "I'm still going to support Iowa State.
On what he's learned from his off the court issues: "I've learned that just everything you do, it's business, it's professional, it's the way you must carry yourself besides all the basketball," Taylor said.
On possibily returning to Ames to finish his degree: "I'm trying to work something out," he said. "I don't know yet. I really enjoyed my time here, I really enjoyed my time at Iowa State. Coach McDermott has a great program, everybody there is great and good and I really enjoyed it. So, I wouldn't mind coming back and getting a degree from Iowa State."
Probably one of the most productive conversations I've ever had.

Nebraska vs. Iowa State, 2nd half

Call it inspiriation from the half-time ceremony or whatever, the Cyclones' open the half on a huge run and led Nebraska by three. Happy homecoming to Mike Taylor who is sitting behind the Cyclones bench. Taylor, who was dismissed from the Cyclones this summer, is in town this week for the Idaho Stampede to play the Iowa Energy.
Nebraska 27, Iowa State 30

Nebraska vs. Iowa State, 1st half

The Cyclones' end a nine minute scoring drought with a basket from Wesley Johnson. Maybe Fred Hoiberg will stay on the court after the half-tiem ceremony.
Nebraska 24, Iowa State 11.

Nebraska at Iowa State

The injury bug must still be in the Cyclones' lockeroom. Sophomore guard Wesley Johnson is not starting today's game against the Cornhuskers.

Big Signing Day

After coach Gene Chizik’s signing day press conference Wednesday, I ran into Steve Malchow, senior associate athletic director of communications.
“It’s like Christmas,” Malchow said.
On this holiday, Malchow, Chizik, and the Cyclones got a big gift. Sedrick Johnson, a 6-4, 180 pound wide receiver, sent in his letter of intent to play for Iowa State just minutes before the clock hit the noon hour.
In July Johnson had verbally committed to Texas A&M. By January he was on campus visiting Iowa State during the Cyclones’ men’s basketball game against Oklahoma State. Braving the negative temperatures, Johnson apperarently liked what he saw.
From watching his highlight tapes, there’s plenty to like about him as well. As a junior, Johnson hauled in 38 passes for 1,019 yards and 12 touchdowns. He finished his senior year catching 41 passes for 633 yards and 12 touchdowns. It’s those stats that brought coaches From Florida, TCU, LSU, Michigan, Missouri, and Nebraska to Johnson’s house.
“Through a lot of heavy pressure on him and other coaches trying to do their job well, we were very fortunate he made the decision to come to us,” said offensive coordinator Robert McFarland.
Now that’s the gift that keeps on giving….....for at least four years.

Adding to his legacy

On Tuesday, senior Rahshon Clark added another piece of history to his resume. The senior forward connected on his 100th career three-pointer, making him the only player in Big 12 history with 1,000 points, 100 steals, 100 blocks, and 100 three-pointers. Am I surprised by this accomplishment? No. On Monday, I watched Clark workout for about a half an hour before practice began. He shot his threes, he worked on him jump shot, and even rebounded for junior Bryan Petersen while the guard worked on his long range shooting. Small things like that is what lead to big accomplishments like Tuesday's.

Wesley Johnson Injury Status

It's still a guessing game whether or not Wesley Johnson will play tomorrow night when the Cyclones' host Texas A&M. The sophomore was not listed in Monday's starting lineup provided to the media. Instead, freshman Diante Garrett was listed as the starting guard. Johnson, who reinjured his ankle against Colorado is listed as day-to-day.
"It might be ok today and not good tomorrow," said Cyclones' coach Greg McDermott. "We'll just have to wait prior to game time and see how functional he is and if we think he can help us then he'll play. If we feel like it's a negative to have him out there, then he won't."

Wesley Johnson Update

While Wesley Johnson watched Saturday's game in street clothes, he might be doing the same thing Tuesday. Following the Cyclones' lost to Nebraska, coach Greg McDermott said the guard was still day to day.

Iowa State vs. Nebraka

Hubalek is heading to the bench with four fouls and still over six minutes remaining. Can Alex Thompson and Corey Johnson hold down the lane for awhile?
Iowa State 43, Nebraska 48

Iowa State vs. Nebraska, half-time

Forget about the score, the most dissupointing thing for Cornhusker fans, Cyclone Alley. I just spoke with a representative from the club who estimated over 200 fans made the trip for the game. They have plenty to cheer about. It's tied at half time 29-29.

Iowa State vs. Nebraska, 1st half

Looking for someone to pick up the scoring with Johnson gone. The Cyclones have made it to the first media timeout with a three point. Senior Jiri Hubalek has nine points already.
Iowa State 12, Nebraska 9

Iowa State. vs. Nebraska

Without Johnson in the lineup, the Cyclones have replaced him with freshman Diante Garrett. Should be a good test for the first year point guard.

Iowa State vs. Nebraska

Hoping for a little Cyclone power in Nebraska? They'll have to do it without their leading scorer Wesley Johnson who made the trip but is in street clothes. I'll be blogging periodically from press row during the game so check it out.

Bench mark

Impressed with the play of freshman Cameron Lee Tuesday? What didn't show up in any of the box scores was what the guard was playing with, two sprained ankles. Lee, who has been nursing the injured ankles for about a month now, shot 2-of-2 from the field with six points. Still no word on the status of sophomore Wesley Johnson who left Tuesday's game after re injuring his ankle. The guard, who leads the team in scoring, averaging 13.9 points per game, will travel with the team to Nebraska Saturday but his playing status is still up in the air.

Big loss

For most of the week, I spoke with Iowa State players about how important it was to get junior Sean Haluska shooting. Right about now, they're realizing how important it was to have sophomore Wesley Johnson who appears to be out for the remainder of Tuesday's game with Colorado. How big of a loss is this and do you think their offense can survive such a loss (again)?

A shot at history

Here's a stat for you. Cyclone's coach Greg McDermott is 0-2 against the Kansas Jayhawks, including an overtime loss to the men in blue last year. If your expecting an upset, consider this. The Cyclones have a 69-196 record against ranked opponents. The last time Iowa State beat a ranked team was on Feb. 5, 2006, against No. 25 Colorado.
As if there wasn't already enough attention being brought to this game, Wesley Johnson said that while the team bus was arriving at Allen Fieldhouse last season, there was a line as, "long as a rollarcoaster."
"It was crazy," said Johnson.

This is Kanas still

A lot's changed since media day, but the one thing Cyclones' coach Greg McDermott was clear about who would be guarding Kansas guard Brandon Rush-senior Rahshon Clark. The senior will have the task of having to post up with the 6'6 junior who is averaging 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Clark, who left Saturday's game for a short period of time, said he had an ankle sprain. Monday he said he was, "aight." McDermott said he thinks he should be able to start Wednesday, something that hasn't changed for nearly three years.

Encore performance

Freshman Craig Brackins can only see the No. 21 on his back. Asked if he tought there was a big X on his back following his 33 point performance agaainst Baylor on Saturday, Brackins said he didn't think so.
"No not really," Brackins said. "It was a good game. I guess it was just one of those days. Hopefully I can continue to stay consistant."
He won't be expected to put up the numbers he did against the Bears when connected on eight three pointers in the game. He will get more chances down low, when the Cyclones take on a Missouri team that ranks No. 10 in the nation in steals and puts a lot of pressure play on opposing guards.
"It's going to be more focused on a big part of me, Jiri (Hubalek), and at AT (Alex Thompson), and at CJ (Cory Johnson)," he said. "We're going to have to pretty much bring it to help our team win."

The blame game

They passed it, shot it, and dribbled it. It was also every way the Cyclones gave up a turnover to Baylor Saturday.
"We turned it over in just a variety of ways," Cyclones coach Greg McDermott said. "There was no one thing that we were doing. Just from bad decisions to just having the ball taken out of our hands."
Those bad decisions resulted in 19 turnovers against the Bears. With the exception of their pre-season game with Centenary on Nov. 10, every time the Cyclones have that many turnovers or more, they have lost. During their 79-44 loss to Drake on Dec. 5, they gave up the ball 21 times.
Tomorrow, they'll face a Missouri team that ranks No. 9 in the nation in turnovers and tight defense like Baylor's.
"They (Baylor) put on a little bit more pressure then we had seen in the last couple of gmaes," said junior point guard Bryan Peterson. "We just didn't handle it very well."

The best in the country?

Missouri coach Mike Anderson thinks Iowa State freshman Craig Brackins could be the best freshman in the nation.
"It changed a lot of things in my mind," Anderson said during his weekly teleconference call.
Most of his thoughts about Brackins changed after he watched the freshman drain a season high 33 points against Baylor Saturday.
Anderson thinks he could be the best, who do you think it is?

Barry Stevens

Between watching Jeff Grayer hit jump shots and Jared Homan slam down dunks, I remember looking towards the rafters at Hilton Coliseum during the celebrity basketball game this summer and wondering why Barry Stevens' jersey was not up there. On January 16th, it'll happen when the Cyclones honor the late forward by retiring his No. 35.
"I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to play against Barry Stevens,” said Iowa State head coach Greg McDermott in a press release. “He is one of the main reasons you see the unbelievable crowd support we have today in Hilton Coliseum. He is one of the best ever to put on a Cyclone uniform and he is certainly worthy of this honor.”
It'll also give younger fans a chance to learn who he was. Stevens, whose 2,190 points rank him second in school history, is credited with starting "Hilton Magic," with his 40 point performance against Missouri on February 8, 1983. The forward nailed a jumper as time expired giving the Cyclones a 73-72 overtime win.
Now, when I look up at the rafters, that's something I remember seeing the highlights of.

Injury report

Wesley Johnson says his ankle is fine, Jiri Hubalek said he's good to go, and Sean Haluska will return to the Cyclones' rotation after nursing an injuried back for the past two games. The one Cyclone who is hurt has enough injuries for two players though. Freshman guard Cameron Lee has two sprained ankles. Iowa State coach Greg McDermott said Lee should be available for Saturday's game at Baylor though.

Out of the office

Talk about a juggling act. After spending Monday preparing for his team's first Big 12 game of the year, Cyclones' coach Greg McDermott hit the recruiting road this afternoon. Iowa State travels to Baylor Saturday after winning seven of their last eight game.

North Dakota vs. Iowa State recap

I know all you die hard bloggers were dying to read last night's recap. Due to some problems with the Daily's web site, it was unable to be posted. Because I didn't make it into the game, I did write a story. Here it is.

By: Tommy Birch
Daily Staff Writer
There were no lions, tigers, or bears, in Hilton Coliseum Saturday, just Cyclones.

The (10-5, 0-0) Cyclones closed out their non-conference schedule with a 77-51
victory over (10-4, 0-0) North Dakota at Hilton Coliseum.

"I thought that first half we didn't look like a circus in transition, where
we're throwing the ball all over the place" said Cyclones' coach Greg McDermott.
"Our passing was pretty precise."

And pretty accurate. In the first half, the Cyclones forced 16 turnovers on the
Sioux before an announced crowd of 13,104. The zero turnover margin was marked by a 7-0 run to start the first half,capped off by a Wesley Johnson jump shot to make it 7-0.

On Wednesday the Cyclones turned the ball over 17 times against USC-Upstate.

"We felt like we needed to control the ball a little bit more," said senior
forward Rahshon Clark. "Take pride in our possessions and that's what we did
tonight."

They also made the best of their times with the ball. Following a Travis Bledsoe
basket, Johnson answered back with a three to put the Cyclones up 16. They would
eventually build a 26 point lead by the half and added on to that with a 12-0
run to open the second half.

"We always talk about how important the first five minutes are of each half and
I really felt that in each halves we executed to start the game and to start the
half second half on both ends of the floor," McDermott said.

The execution stopped any offensive runs North Dakota tried to put together,
holding the Sioux scoreless for the first three and half minutes of the game.
Their 51 points tied a season low they set on December 11 against Upper Iowa.

"We knew what they were going to do and we tried our best to stop them from
getting back door layups and easy passes," Clark said. "Our scout team did a
terrific job with that."

Most of the easy baskets came from Iowa State. The Cyclones built up a 40 point
lead with 13:59 remaining in the second half when junior Alex Thompson connected
on a three pointer from the top of the key.

Thompson finished with six points while Johnson steadied the offense shooting
4-of-6 from the field in the first half. He finished the night with game high 13
points and showed some of his explosiveness from last year, driving to the lane
for a layup to put the Cyclones ahead by 11 in the first half.
"It's finally starting to show itself in practice with some of the tip dunks
he's had or plays that he's made in transition," McDermott said.

The Cyclones travel to Baylor January 12 for their first Big 12 conference game
of the year, winning seven out of their last eight games following a 79-44 loss
at Drake.

"I think we've made progress," said senior center Jiri Hubalek. "We've got
better every game. I think that was the main thing."

North Dakota vs. Iowa State, 2nd half

Cyclones coach Greg McDermott has gone pretty deep to his bench bringing in Mike Smith, Mark Currie, and Brock Jacobson. If he goes any deeper, I'll be heading out there. Unfortunately for me and North Dakota, I have a story to write. Check out a recap of tonight's game at www.iowastatedaily.com.

North Dakota vs. Iowa State, 1st half

Here's a stat to sum of the first half. 12-0. North Dakota 12 turnovers, Iowa State 0. In related news, Iowa State leads 48-22 at the half.

North Dakota vs. Iowa State, 1st half

On a personal note, I was surprised to see freshman Charles Boozer could pass up a three. The freshman guard was wide open right side of the wing but gave it up to freshman Diante Garrett. Not a bad idea. Garrett drained a three from the top of the key.
Iowa State 40, North Dakota 18.

North Dakota vs. Iowa State, 1st half

I guess that's the home field advantage there. North Dakota players dribbled around the top of the key endlessly not knowing the shot clock was going to expire. It did without a Sioux shot.
Iowa State 37, North Dakota 18.

North Dakota vs. Iowa State, 1st half

It's the Wesley Johnson show. The sophomore has 13 points and 4-of-4 from the field. He's also pulled down three rebounds. The only thing he has done yet? Mop the floors with the ball boys.
North Dakota 11, Iowa State 27.

North Dakota vs. Iowa State, 1st half

Pistol Petey has arrived. Junior Bryan Petersen hit a three to open the game and another just three minutes later to give ISU a 10 point lead.
North Dakota 3, Iowa State 12

The final push

The Cyclones will be making their final push before the start of the Big 12 season Saturday hosting North Dakota. They've won five straight but once again will be without junior Sean Haluska who is still nursing an injured back. Cyclones' coach Greg McDermott confirmed freshman Cameron Lee is a little banged up as well.
I'll be blogging from press row periodically throughout the game.

One more to go

One more game to go until the Big 12 schedule starts. Besides a spurt at the end of the first half and the start of the second half, the Cyclones’ defense is playing as well as it has been all season. They held USC-Upstate to under 50 points for the first time this season. Wesley Johnson is finally getting back to health. The sophomore connected on a first half dunk and completed it, in what looked like pain free fashion. With only one game left until the Big 12 season begins for ISU, how impressed have you been so far with this team?

Check out a recap of last night's game at: http://www.iowastatedaily.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticle&ustory_id=5dff9052-2896-4fc2-8464-cfe30ab83a4f

USC-Upstate vs. Iowa State, 2nd half

Freshman Charles Boozer has hit a pair of three pointers. It's almost OFFICIALLY over. Read the recap of the game at www.iowastatedaily.com

USC-Upstate-1st half

Iowa State and USC-Upstate have spent the majority of the first half playing hot potatoe with the basketball. The Spartans have nine turnovers while the Cyclones have given the basketball away eight times.
USC-Upstate 9, Iowa State 25.

USC-Upstate-Pre-game

Lucca Staiger will have some company on the bench today. Junior Sean Haluska is nursing a sore back and will be unavailable for tonight's game.