Iowa State Goes For Back-To-Back Big 12 Titles Starting Today

This was written by Gabe, not me.  Still working out some of the log in stuff/I think I fucked something up

Iowa State goes for back-to-back Big XII titles starting today, as the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament.

Here are three keys to what the Cyclones have to do in order to win three games and hoist the trophy in Hilton South, aka Kansas City.

Rest

Being a No. 2 seed is nice, especially getting the winner of the 7/10 match-up in the first game. With the way it sets up, the Cyclones will have the second shortest amount of rest going into the Friday game (pending a win) and a shorter break in the championship game (also pending a win). If a blowout happens, guys like Monte Morris and Geroges Niang are going to have to find the bench in the second half for extended periods of time in order to have enough energy to play four games. That bullshit mantra that one terrible color guy will say this weekend, “Well when they played AAU basketball, these guys would play four games on a Saturday. These 20-year old kids don’t get tired.” Umm, yeah they do, Jack. Playing AAU and playing for a D-I college conference title is two completely different levels. Guys are going to need to rest up.

3-point shooting

Baylor beat Iowa State on February 25 in Ames, after going 14-for-26 from beyond the arc. If any team makes 14 3-pointers against anyone else, they will win. Hell, if Coppin State nails 14 3’s against Kentucky, I like their chances. ISU averages close to nine made 3’s a game. Never a better time of year to get hot from behind the arc, and the Cyclones better heat up if they want to win three more games in Kansas City this year.

The Crowd

A group of my friends went to Kansas City last year for the Big XII tourney and all I heard was about it being the greatest experience ever, and I was a complete IDIOT for missing out. I have to believe this year will be similar with as much fun as everybody had last season at the Power and Light District, and inside the Sprint Center. A loud, rowdy, motivated crowd that just came from McFadden’s next door (yes, I’m hoping dropping the name of my favorite bar there will lead to free drinks) will provide a little extra motivation to the student athletes from Ames.

P.S.

Wishing Jamie Pollard the speediest of recoveries.