BLOG: Iowa State Basketball Wrap Up; Kentucky Preview

I handled the defending champs relatively easily tonight, employing a strong effort from the entire team. The Cyclones started off the scoring with a Royce White dunk, and after taking the lead at the 17:48 mark in the first half, didn't trail again. 

The UCONN Huskies looked lethargic in the first half, as the Cyclones distributed the ball well, finding the open man for easy scores. Iowa State led by 22 points about midway through the first half, but at halftime UCONN had cut the lead to 10. 

Connecticut put the pressure on the Cyclones defensively in the second half, and regained ground as they diminished the lead to 7, thanks in part to timely baskets by Ryan Boatright. 

The Cyclones defense stiffened when things got tough, and forced the Huskies into difficult situations. Iowa State closed down lane penetration, and gave few open looks to Connecticut shooters. As the defense held, the offense excelled and the Cyclones muscled their way to a convincing 77-64 win. 

I thought the Huskies were sore losers near the end. UCONN stole the ball with less than 10 seconds left, and Jeremy Lamb attempted a windmill dunk that didn't end well.  

The overall No. 1 seed Kentucky Wildcats are up next for the Cyclones on Saturday, March 17.