Iowa State Basketball: Top five games from the 2016-2017 season
By Doug Winkey
3. Iowa State takes down top-10 Baylor at home
February 25th, 2017: Iowa State 72, Baylor 69
Baylor had won five straight contests against the Cyclones going into the pivotal February showdown. Iowa State was on a four-game winning streak and eager to finally get over the hump against the Bears.
Burton was once again the star with 22 points in the victory. He hit a massive contested three off the backboard to put ISU up four with 1:14 left. That ill-advised shot ultimately helped the boys in Ames win 72-69. Burton again got plenty of help in the form of Morris’ 17 points and seven assists, but his call to the bank kept the train rolling for one more game at a critical time late in the season.
Given that Baylor had Iowa State’s number for multiple years, being able to hold home court against them was so important for both the players and fans. It also showed that sometimes being a little creative in the shot selection during late-game situations can sometimes work out.
Burton’s three might not have been the best look the Cyclones got down the stretch, but it went in, and that was the difference maker in this one.