Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: UNC’s title hopes, to-do list for bubble teams and more weekly takeaways

By Brian Rauf

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 09: Kenny Williams #24 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a play against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Dean Smith Center on March 09, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 09: Kenny Williams #24 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a play against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Dean Smith Center on March 09, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 02: Zoran Talley Jr. #23 of the Iowa State Cyclones passes the ball around Courtney Ramey #3 of the Texas Longhorns at The Frank Erwin Center on March 02, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 02: Zoran Talley Jr. #23 of the Iowa State Cyclones passes the ball around Courtney Ramey #3 of the Texas Longhorns at The Frank Erwin Center on March 02, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

6) Iowa State‘s slide

While Texas Tech has been red hot, Iowa State has gone in a very different direction.

Once thought of as a trendy Final Four underdog pick, the Cyclones closed the regular season having lost six of their final eight games. The loss to Texas Tech was understandable, but losing to West Virginia and being swept by TCU? Not so much.

Iowa State has always been a good offensive team but their defense has left much to be desired during this stretch. They allowed 77.6 points per game during this stretch and allowed four teams to eclipse the 80-point mark.

Yet the Cyclones, after only losing by seven to Texas Tech on Saturday, think they’re headed in the right direction towards ending this skid, as head coach Steve Prohm said after the game.

"“The guys … decided that we have to get back to who we really are. We have good kids. Three weeks ago, we were on top of the world. “They just re-committed themselves to each other. Friday’s practice was terrific — really, really good. I thought we were complete (on Saturday). We just weren’t good enough down the stretch to finish it.”"

Iowa State absolutely has talent, particularly at the guard positions. However, their lack of defensive efficiency is a major cause for concern. Unless they prove differently in the Big 12 Tournament, the Cyclones are a prime candidate to be upset early in the Big Dance.

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