NCAA Basketball: Gonzaga, Kansas drops, Duke, UNC rises in latest top 25 power ranking
14. Iowa State Cyclones – 14-4 (5-2 Big 12)
The Cyclones had one of the best wins this week, beating a top-10 Texas squad at home. The final score was 78-67, led by 21 points from Jaren Holmes. Gabe Kalscheur (16) and Caleb Grill (17) once again had good games but the production from the St. Bonaventure transfer has been inconsistent at times. When Holmes plays at this level, there’s little concern about Iowa State’s offense.
That was put to the test on Saturday against Oklahoma State, as Iowa State lost Grill in the first half to a back injury. He ended up scoreless in 17 minutes and didn’t play in the final 20 minutes. Holmes was just 3/13 from the field but did have six assists, while big man Osun Osunniyi led the team with 15 points and seven rebounds.
The Cyclones played the Cowboys tough in a low-scoring affair but they didn’t get the road win, falling 61-59. It’s a massive victory for Oklahoma State and its NCAA Tournament resume but with the Longhorns win in hand, Iowa State doesn’t have too much to complain about.
Although if Grill is out for any length of time, it’ll be a big blow for the Cyclones. That’s something to watch in this week’s upcoming games, as they take on Kansas State at home before traveling to Missouri for a conference clash.