9. Iowa State (16-2)
As the season progressed, the faith in Iowa State grew larger and large. They showed a lot with their road win at Purdue and their steady play throughout the first two months of the season. The unbeaten start has been impressive, especially as it’s continued into Big 12 play. However, all good things come to an end in what’s been an atrocious mid-January for the Cyclones.
The trouble began on Tuesday night as Iowa State’s unbeaten streak came to an end, falling 84-63 at Kansas. Doomed by a terrible first half, the Cyclones got 12 points apiece from Jamarion Batemon and Joshua Jefferson but just couldn’t compete. Surprisingly, Saturday wasn’t any easier, as the Cyclones got into a big hole in the second half and fell 79-70 at Cincinnati. Milan Momcilovic was outstanding with 34 points but there wasn’t much from the rest of this team in another road loss.
One bad week doesn’t sink all the good from an entire season but it does have us looking at Iowa State through a different light. This team has been impressive on offense and virtually fearless but they really buckled in those two road environments and don’t look like the same team anymore. Regardless, the Cyclones head into what should be a soft part of their schedule, hoping to bounce back against UCF and Oklahoma State next week.