Iowa State Basketball: Top five games from the 2016-2017 season
By Doug Winkey
5. Iowa State wins their Big 12 opener against Texas Tech
December 30th, 2016: Iowa State 63, Texas Tech 56
Iowa State’s Big 12 opener hosting Texas Tech was not an easy one. Thanks to solid play by the Red Raiders, Iowa State was on the ropes for much of the game. The veteran-laden Red Raiders were up as much as nine with nine minutes left in the second half before ISU went with a true small-ball lineup. The Cyclones trotted out Monte Morris, Naz Mitrou-Long, Nick Weiler-Babb, Donovan Jackson, and Solomon Young to change the tempo. That group helped the team storm back and ultimately win the game 63-56.
The Cyclones trotted out Monte Morris, Naz Mitrou-Long, Nick Weiler-Babb, Donovan Jackson, and Solomon Young to change the tempo. That group helped the team storm back and ultimately win the game 63-56.
Mitrou-Long scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half to start ISU’s conference slate out on the right foot. That game showed he could score against quality opponents and help lead a team the way fans thought he could. It also demonstrated Coach Prohm’s willingness to experiment and move away from veteran graduate transfers.
The Texas Tech victory was important for so many reasons besides just putting another mark in the win column. Making in-game adjustments is an important part of basketball, and that is exactly what turned the tide in this battle.