5. Iowa State (5-1)
Last season, Iowa State’s elite defense and unselfish offense proved very effective in the Big 12 in a season that ended in the Sweet Sixteen. Many of the same faces are back for the Cyclones, who entered this year with high expectations but haven’t had that chance to prove it. After three drama-free performances at home, they got that chance at the Maui Invitational this past week.
The first game was one of the thrillers of the event, as the Cyclones dramatically fell 83-81 against Auburn in the final seconds. Keshon Gilbert had 23 points in the tough loss to a Top 5 team. The following day saw Iowa State survive a strong challenge from Dayton in an 89-84 win, with 24 more points from Gilbert. There was far less drama in the 5th place game, as Iowa State won 99-71 against new conference rival Colorado, getting 24 points from Milan Momcilovic in the victory.
Iowa State was one or two bounces of the ball away from beating Auburn at the beginning of this week. Outside of that game, they’ve looked very impressive, especially with how they battled back against Dayton and made quick work of the Buffaloes. They’re still missing that early marquee win on the resume, though they can get it next week, hosting Marquette as part of the Big 12/Big East Battle.