Iowa State Cyclones Surge Past Baylor Bears in Big 12 Semifinal Showdown
The Iowa State Cyclones, ranked 7th, showcased their dominance with a resounding victory over the 14th-ranked Baylor Bears, concluding the game with a score of 76-62. The Cyclones improved their record to an impressive tally while the Bears' record took a hit following this encounter.
From the onset at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, the Iowa State Cyclones set an aggressive pace against the Baylor Bears. The first half saw the Cyclones put up 35 points to the Bears' 27, laying down a solid foundation for what was to come. As play resumed after halftime, Iowa State continued to widen their lead by adding another 41 points compared to Baylor's effort of racking up just 35 additional points.
The statistics tell a tale of Iowa State's superior execution on both ends of the court. With an overall field goal percentage of forty-five percent from sixty attempts and an astounding fifty percent from beyond the arc on twenty attempts, they outperformed Baylor who managed only thirty-nine percent field goal shooting and twenty-one percent from three-point range.
Iowa State's defense was relentless throughout, accumulating nine steals and matching Baylor's three blocks. Their defensive prowess limited Baylor’s scoring opportunities in paint despite allowing thirty-four points in that area; however, it was Iowa State’s sixteen fast break points that underscored their transition efficiency.
On offense, Iowa State displayed remarkable teamwork with seventeen assists leading to high-quality shots and maintaining possession effectively as evidenced by their low turnover count of six compared to thirteen by Baylor. This discipline allowed them not only more scoring chances but also reflected in their assist-to-turnover ratio which stood at a commendable figure of three point four.
Free throws were another area where Iowa State excelled; they capitalized on these opportunities by converting ninety-two percent from thirteen free throw attempts into twelve made shots – contributing significantly towards sealing their victory margin.
As for individual performances that caught attention during this semifinal clash – it was not just one player but rather a collective effort that propelled ISU forward. Every player who stepped onto court played his part diligently whether through scoring or setting up teammates for better shot selections.
Looking ahead after this commanding performance against Baylor Bears at T-Mobile Center filled with nineteen thousand one hundred thirty-five spectators cheering them on - fans can mark their calendars for when Iowa State Cyclones take on Houston Cougars next at T-Mobile Center scheduled for March 16th at 5:00 PM CT. This upcoming game will be broadcasted live on ESPN network providing fans another opportunity witness how ISU continues its pursuit towards further glory this season.