The BIGGER picture.

[besserheimerphat]

One GIANT come back does not mean they have "fixed the problem". It takes more than one game. This team does not have a "killer" instinct. Every time they get up BIG on a team, no matter how bad that team may be, they always seem to let those teams back in the game.

We ran #18 Arkansas out of the gym.
We beat a decent OSU team by 2 points while our guys were still learning how to play together.
We beat a physical #14 WVU on the road by 2 points.
We beat #9 Kansas.
We beat #21 WVU by 20 at home.
We beat #22 OSU on the road by 5.
We beat #15 OU in an epic comeback.

I think the problem is your perception, not the team. In the BIGGEST picture, we've got a team that is very tough for opponents to match up with and game plan for. In the tourney, when you're playing a team for the only time all season on just a couple days rest/planning, we have a major advantage. Unfortunately, randomness is a ***** and we might get caught on a bad shooting night. But we have a team that has the potential to go a long way in the NCAAs.

 

[Gunnerclone]

What was different about this years team and last years team? Last year team blew leads too...

The difference is last year there were about 50% less fairweather fans on the bandwagon than this season. We made it to the Sweet 16, that is all people see. Oh ISU Sweet 16, I'm such a huge ISU fan now.

 

[Rural]

We really need Kansas to beat OU.

If we play them, Oklahoma will kick our *** in the b12 tournament.

If we beat TCU and KU beats OU, OU should be 4 seed and we will be opposite them as 2 seed

http://bball.notnothing.net/big12.php?sport=mbb

Why? For any of this.

We may have figured out the "play Niang with a guard" thing.

If we're on our game we'll pound that team inside.

 

[CycloneErik]

Another big picture note: 10 top 50 wins.
For context, that's like a lot.

 

[HFCS]

Go look at the # of times that we've had 21 (and potentially 22) regular season wins.

If you want some real fun, go count the # of 23 win seasons that ISU has ever had (10, if this year happens like it should). Note that Fred will have 4 of them, and all in a row.

Things are better than they've ever been, and we just witnessed a historic comeback victory. That indicates that talent and heart came together last night after a 20+ minute start that made that look impossible.

All true. Probably a positive indicator of improvement that fans are expecting us to be Duke now.

 

[HFCS]

Another big picture note: 10 top 50 wins.
For context, that's like a lot.

Over a third of our season is top 50 wins.

 

[State43]

Yes, "The Comeback" was great. But aren't we all missing the BIGGER picture here? Iowa State is struggling right now at the end of the regular season & right before the Big 12 Tournament. This team is worrying me as they don't have that same "moxy" that last year's team had.

No, they struggled to close out BU and KSU. They didn't struggle to win on the road against OSU. Do us a favor and kindly **** off.

 

[allfourcy]

One GIANT come back does not mean they have "fixed the problem". It takes more than one game. This team does not have a "killer" instinct. Every time they get up BIG on a team, no matter how bad that team may be, they always seem to let those teams back in the game.

I realize everyone wants that "killer instinct", and that may have been a slip-up in that category vs. Baylor, in part due to them feeling comfortable as if they got the game in hand when they got the lead in Hilton. But I disagree that its all the time. All Big12 teams, even KU, has shown that conference games can be full of "runs". Remember when KU had a huge lead on OU at home, and OU came back to even take the lead in the second half? I don't feel ISU lacked the killer instinct at all vs. KState last Saturday, but rather made unfortunate turnovers and some poor decisions when the pressure came from KState. Likewise, they grinded out wins at Texas and OkSt. staying aggressive.

 

[clone52]

Yes, "The Comeback" was great. But aren't we all missing the BIGGER picture here? Iowa State is struggling right now at the end of the regular season & right before the Big 12 Tournament. This team is worrying me as they don't have that same "moxy" that last year's team had.

Just enjoy the moment. If they have a great tournament, we're all happy. If they lose 1st round of the Big 12 and the Big dance, we'll be disappointed. Worrying about it now won't help anything down the road and it ruins your chance to feel great at least for this week.

 

[clone52]

One GIANT come back does not mean they have "fixed the problem". It takes more than one game. This team does not have a "killer" instinct. Every time they get up BIG on a team, no matter how bad that team may be, they always seem to let those teams back in the game.

Thats basketball. That happens to everyone. Maybe not to Kentucky this year, but if you are only going to enjoy Iowa State teams who are the best team in the country, you are going to deprive yourself of lots of amazing memories.

 

[cycloneworld]

If we don't blow late leads against Baylor (who hit 6 straight 3 pointers) or K-State (who just beat Kansas in their building), everyone is talking about how this team is peaking at just the right time.

The Big 12 is really, really good. And it is really, really hard to win...especially on the road. I'd say being in second place in the best conference will prepare us well for the NCAA tournament.

 

[CycloneErik]

I realize everyone wants that "killer instinct", and that may have been a slip-up in that category vs. Baylor, in part due to them feeling comfortable as if they got the game in hand when they got the lead in Hilton. But I disagree that its all the time. All Big12 teams, even KU, has shown that conference games can be full of "runs". Remember when KU had a huge lead on OU at home, and OU came back to even take the lead in the second half? I don't feel ISU lacked the killer instinct at all vs. KState last Saturday, but rather made unfortunate turnovers and some poor decisions when the pressure came from KState. Likewise, they grinded out wins at Texas and OkSt. staying aggressive.

Kansas almost gave one away at home to Oklahoma this year after building a 20ish point lead.
You're right. These things happen in basketball.

 

[isu81]

I totally understand what you're saying but I like to look at it like maybe they found their mojo at the right time. They were finally able to overcome great adversity to win a supposedly non winnable game. Maybe that gives the team the confidence boost they needed. Just my thoughts.

This is my thought as well. Momentum in sports is a really big deal.

 

[Cyclonepride]

One GIANT come back does not mean they have "fixed the problem". It takes more than one game. This team does not have a "killer" instinct. Every time they get up BIG on a team, no matter how bad that team may be, they always seem to let those teams back in the game.

It wasn't just a giant comeback. It was a team that was dead as dead could be, and yet somehow found a way to completely change the complexion of the game and then maintain that through to victory, against a very, very good team.

 

[dahliaclone]

Yes, "The Comeback" was great. But aren't we all missing the BIGGER picture here? Iowa State is struggling right now at the end of the regular season & right before the Big 12 Tournament. This team is worrying me as they don't have that same "moxy" that last year's team had.

You serious, Clark?

 

[allfourcy]

After last night, I don't even want to think about questioning or analyzing where the team is. It was just too great of a comeback to not enjoy, regardless of "where" you think this team is really at. We probably can agree that this team is inconsistent and we realistically have NO idea whatsoever as to what the TCU outcome will be. Heck, any prediction going forward in ANY of our postseason games would be about as solid as rolling a roulette wheel, imo. I just know that I'll take 21-8 and only losing 4 Big12 games in 4 years in Hilton, any day. Beat the Horned Frogs!

 

[ISUKyro]

Over a third of our season is top 50 wins.

That right there is just nuts!

For me that is the bigger picture.

 

[Skyh13]

That right there is just nuts!

For me that is the bigger picture.

Yarr.

 

[4theCYcle]

Lol, I just don't understand people. These are the type that'll never be happy. Last night was a leap and bound and could have impact on moving forward.

People questioned leaders. What I saw/heard: McKay step up and voice a motivational speech that got the guys focused. What I saw was George and Monte take the game over on the offensive side. What I saw was guys defend the perimeter better in the 2nd half. What I saw was more pressure on Spangler and Thomas underneath to make their shots more difficult, even if the refs were a bit inconsistent. Look, people can question their mental focus and toughness. I've done it. But, this could be a momentum builder to carry on into the Big 12 tourney. They put that in the back of their minds that they are never out of it, it's huge. It's been mentioned that last year Long's shot carried weight the rest of the year. You just never know. But one thing is, ISU is in one of the toughest leagues, some people forget about that.

The bigger picture is, the NCAA tourney is about match ups. Upsets happen. So who knows what the path will be. This team has lapses, but so do most of the other teams in the country. But, what is evident is, beyond the big 12 tournament, this team will be difficult to prepare for. If they stay focused and stiffen up their D, we could all be looking back and think what the heck were we worried about? I have my reservations as do others, but I've also learned to enjoy the game too. OP, chill. I think the team knows they have things to work on, but they also know they are never out of it.

 

[VeloClone]

For some reason this thread reminds me of the grinch.

[video=youtube;ZU0wyJxAZ6c]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU0wyJxAZ6c[/video]