Iowa State Cyclones
Big 12 (22-11, 11-7)
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Though Iowa State had a stellar 2011 campaign, not many predicted they would start 2012 as strong as they did. Even after losing their star, Royce White, they were 10-3 going into the New Year and looking like a solid team. Naturally, as the Big 12 season wore on, the Cyclones slipped back a bit due to the strong competition in the conference. Still, they found themselves finishing in the top half of the standings for the whole season. By February, they were not even considered to be much of a bubble team. They once again find themselves in a position to upset some favorites in the tournament.
Big Wins: 1/26 Kansas State (73-67), 2/4 Oklahoma (83-64), 3/6 Oklahoma State (87-76)
Bad Losses: 12/7 at Iowa (71-80), 1/23 at Texas Tech (51-56), 2/13 at Texas (86-89)
Coach: Fred Hoiberg (3 seasons at Iowa State)
Why They Can Surprise:
Iowa State is one of the best scoring teams in the country. Typically, the Cyclones are not considered much of a threat in the national landscape. But at just about 80 points per game, they only trail three teams nationally and lead the Big 12 by a mile. Iowa State is a tough out because they are so adept at hitting the three ball. They lead the nation in three pointers per game at 10.0. They shoot less than 38 percent from behind the arc, but they shoot so many they end up draining a boatload per contest. Overall, this is a well-rounded team as well. They are second in the Big 12 in assists per game at over 16. They are also extremely strong on the glass. They are 19th in the nation in rebounds per game and are one of the best at outrebounding their opponents each game as well (5.0 more per game). Being one of the most experienced teams in the country helps this team night in and night out as well. Hoiberg plays five seniors that have NCAA experience. Leading scorer and veteran guard Will Clyburn is the engine that makes this team go. He averages the most minutes and points per game on the team and is second in rebounds.
Why They Can Disappoint:
If there is a flaw that hurts this team, it is their defense. They can clean up the glass, but they do not necessarily clean out the defenders. They allow over 41 percent shooting from the floor. They have a difficult time disrupting the half-court offense. They tend not to block too many shots and allow post players to get comfortable underneath the basket. They do not have “quick hands” either. Their steals per game are 3rd worst in the conference at 6.5 per game. Not helping matters, the Cyclones turn the ball over almost 13.3 times per game. Other teams have a lot of opportunities to climb back into the game or put the Cyclones away. Outside of Clyburn, they do not have too many legitimate threats either. They are a deep team in terms of playing time, but there is not much in the way of scoring star power behind their star guard.
Probable Starters:
Korie Lucious, Senior, Guard, 9.9 ppg, 5.7 apg
Chris Babb, Senior, Guard, 9.3 ppg, 2.3 apg
Will Clyburn, Senior, Guard, 15.0 ppg, 2.1 apg, 7.1 rpg
Georges Niang, Junior, Forward, 12.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Melvin Ejim, Junior, Forward, 11.2 ppg, 9.3 rpg
Key Roleplayers:
Tyrus McGee, Senior, Guard, 13.2 ppg, 1.3 apg
Anthony Booker, Senior, Forward, 3.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg
Bubu Palo, Junior, Guard, 2.9 ppg, 1.4 apg
Percy Gibson, Sophomore, Center, 4.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 80.1 (4th in nation, 1st in conference)
Scoring Defense: 70.8 (274, 9)
Field-Goal Percentage: 45.8 (59, 2)
Field-Goal Defense: 42.5 (165, 7)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 10.0 (1, 1)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 37.7 (38, 1)
Free-Throw Percentage: 72.5 (66, 3)
Rebound Margin: 5.0 (39, 2)
Assists Per Game: 16.1 (14, 2)
Turnovers Per Game: 13.3 (178, 6)
Last Five Postseason Appearances:
2012 NCAA Round of 64 win over Connecticut
2012 NCAA Round of 32 loss to Kentucky
2005 NCAA Round of 64 win over Minnesota
2005 NCAA Round of 32 loss to North Carolina
2004 NIT First Round win over Georgia
2004 NIT Second Round win over Florida State
2004 NIT Quarterfinal win over Marquette
2004 NIT Semifinal loss to Rutgers
2003 NIT Opening Round win over Wichita State
2003 NIT First Round loss to Iowa
2001 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Hampton
2000 NCAA Round of 64 win over Central Connecticut State
2000 NCAA Round of 32 win over Auburn
2000 NCAA Regional Semifinal win over UCLA
2000 NCAA Regional Final loss to Michigan State
*all team stats through 3/10
See All Men’s Basketball Postseason Capsules
