Sports Happenings around ISU

So it's been kind of crazy around the ISU athletic department lately, for multiple reasons. Whether it's ISU athletes performing well in postseason play, wrapping up their season or getting in some trouble with the law, the wind has been swirling all around Cyclone Nation.

Football spring practice started up, and everyone I talk to sounds almost identical — Gene Chizik is hard-nosed coach who always expects the best from his team. That's good, because he's going to need their very best. I think all of the talk about a 7-5 bowl season is a little unrealistic, although stranger things have happened.

I guess what really surprised me was Chizik saying even Bret Meyer's job wasn't safe. I understand he's trying to make an impression, but one would think the athletes that stayed on board (and there are quite a few of them) still need some sense of unity from the past. Something to hold on to...for now. But, again, Maybe it'll just increase Meyer's drive and he'll become twice the quarterback he has been in the past.

That's all I have from the football front right now.

The ISU gymnasts are gearing up for their Big 12 run, and it'll be interesting to see how not-so-new coach Jay Ronane gets his ladies to respond! I'm excited to see if they can repeat their Big 12 Championship. Keep an eye out in the Daily at our Web site, and also check out assistant sports editor Cody Saveraid's blog, which you can access from this page. (Look right.)

That's all I have for you for right now. Thanks for checking back, and look for another update tomorrow.

Second half, final two minutes of Iowa State's season.

At this point, play-by-play seems rediculous, so I'm going to take a minute to reflect on Iowa State's season.

It was a great season, and much thanks goes out to seniors Lyndsey Medders, Megan Ronhovde and Abby Reinert. This season saw the Cyclones go to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and the Big 12 Championship game.

While the Cyclones' second-round game didn't go well at all, Iowa State's options were limited, and one rough game can't scuff the Cyclones' season.

1:26 Seniors Lyndsey Medders and Megan Ronhovde taken out of the game for the last time in a Cyclone uniform. emotional moment, and the Cyclones will miss them dearly. It may have been a rough way to go out, but nearly 300 division 1 basketball teams would have loved to be in that position.

FINAL: GEORGIA 76, IOWA STATE 56.

Great season, Cyclones. My hat goes off to you. Best of luck next season.

Second half, part four

Ross to shoot two. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 63-38 Bulldogs.

6:59 Wieben layup, 63-40.

6:28 Layup Ross, 63-42.

5:59 Foul on Iowa State, Georgia to shoot two. First one up and down. Second one up and missed. 64-42.

5:06 Wieben layup, 64-44.

4:45 Layup Georgia. 66-44.

4:32 Lacey layup. 66-46.

3:57 Medders for three. 66-49.

3:28 tip-in Georgia. 68-49.

2:46 Layup Georgia. 70-49.

2:28 Wieben for three. 70-52.

2:23 left.

GEORGIA 70, IOWA STATE 52

Second half, part three

And away we go again, with the game already pretty much over.

9:06 Ronhovde with a layup. 63-36

8:22 left and it's getting ugly. Elbows being thrown, players going down. It's gtting ugly.

7:52 Ross draws a foul.

GEORGIA 63, IOWA STATE 36

Second half, part two

15:49 Turnover, Iowa State. Georgia ball.

15:22 Another turnover, Iowa State.

14:54 Foul, Iowa State. Georgia to shoot two. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 61-31 Bulldogs by 30.

13:17 Ronhovde draws a foul, and will shoot two. First one up and air ball. Second one up and missed. That sums it up.

12:48 Foul on Lacey. Georgia to shoot two. First one up and missed. Second one up and missed.

12:23 Layup Georgia. 63-31.

11:37 Ronhovde for three 63-34. Timeout Bulldogs, up by 29...I can't say I understand that, either.

GEORGIA 63, IOWA STATE 34

Second half, part one

Here we go..let's see if Iowa State can make the score respectable.

18:12 Layup, Wieben. 53-29 Bulldogs.

17:26 Foul on Wieben, two shots upcoming for Georgia. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 55-29 Bulldogs.

17:00 Traveling, Medders. Another ISU turnover.

16:47 Runner, Georgia. 57-29.

16:22 Ross draws a foul on a jumper. Two shots coming up. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 57-31.

16:05 Turnaround jumper Georgai. 59-31.

15:49 Pierson missed layup, foul on Georgia though.

GEORGIA 59, IOWA STATE 31

First half, part five

2:41 Iowa State trails by 20 points, 45-25.

2:09 3-pointer Georgia. 48-25 Bulldogs.

59.0 ANOTHER 3-pointer. 51-25 Bulldogs.

38.0 Ross with a layup 51-27 Bulldogs.

Pierson missed a jumper at the buzzer.

HALFTIME

GEORGIA 51, IOWA STATE 27

Georgia has made as many 3-pointers in this game as it has the last three games combined. Unreal.

First half, part four

OK, so Iowa State needs to convert here and put a little run together. Lucky for the Cyclones its only the first half, and they need to settle down.

7:48 Lacey hits the first free throw, and buries the second as well. 34-13 Bulldogs.

7:35 Georgia hits a jumper, ISU misses on the other end. 36-13 Bulldogs.

7:03 Layup, Georgia. 38-13 Bulldogs.

6:19 Jumper, Georgia. They are shooting unbelievably. 40-13 Georgia. Iowa State needs a run now or this one is absolutely in the books.

6:07 Medders 3-pointer. 40-16 Bulldogs.

5:43 Jumper, Georgia. 42-16 Bulldogs.

5:29 Nice backdoor to Ross. 42-18 Bulldogs. NEED A STOP.

5:06 Ezell makes one free throw. Second one up and down. 42-20 Bulldogs. NEED A STOP AGAIN!

4:31 Wieben layup. 42-22 Bulldogs. NEED ANOTHER STOP!

4:10 Wieben called for a foul. Georgia to shoot two. First one up and missed. Second one up and good. 43-22 Bulldogs.

3:32 Medders for three. 43-25 Bulldogs.

2:53 Over the back foul on Pierson.

GEORGIA 43, IOWA STATE 25

First Half, part three

Well, It's now or never for the Cyclones. They need to cut this lead to 15 or less heading into the half. Baby steps, Iowa State. Baby steps.

Lacey completes the e-point play. 29-7 Bulldogs.

Georgia is shooting 11-for-14 right now. Insane.

10:42 Another three from Georgia. 32-7 Bulldogs. Georgia is 6-for-10 from 3-point land.

10:23 Wieben bucket. 32-9 Bulldogs.

10:09 Another jumper for Georgia. 34-9 Bulldogs. Iowa State needs to convert.

9:42 Layup ISU. 34-11 Bulldogs.

9:00 Georgia takes a timeout. Are you kidding me? They're up by 23!

7:49 left.

GEORGIA 34, IOWA STATE 11

First half, part two

GEORGIA 15, IOWA STATE 2

Can the Cyclones get going offensively? They need to step it up now and start to play, and really lock down on defense. This does not look like the Cyclones we're used to seeing. Granted Georgia is a good team, but still, ISU needs to buckle down and get to business.

15:31 Pierson travels, and Iowa State committed its fourth turnover already.

15:15 Another 3-pointer for Georgia. 18-2 Bulldogs.

14:45 Ronhovde travels. Another turnover.

14:22 layup, Georgia. 20-2 Georgia. Ouch.

14:04 Finally a layup for Pierson and the Cyclones. 20-4 Bulldogs.

14:00 Turnover, Georgia. Big possession here early for Iowa State.

13:35 Another runner for Georgia. 22-4 Bulldogs.

12:58 Georgia hits another three. 25-4 Bulldogs...and this one is getting out of control.

12:31 layup, Georgia. 27-4 Bulldogs.

11:44 Layup, Georgia. 29-4 Bulldogs.

11:32 Lacey gets a layup and one. 29-6 Bulldogs with one free throw coming up after the break.

11:32 left, first half.

GEORGIA 29, IOWA STATE 6

First half, part one

Well, away we go. Hilton North seems to be in full swing as the tipoff is set.

20:00 Tip won by Georgia.

19:28 Toccara Ross couldn't decide if she wanted to shoot or pass...The result is a travel.

19:13 3-pointer for Georgia. 3-0 Bulldogs.

18:46 Another jumper for Georgia, 5-0 Bulldogs. Cyclones need to convert.

18:23 3-pointer for Georgia again. Timeout Bill Fennelly, 8-0 Bulldogs, and this one could get ugly early. We'll see how they respond.

18:02 Layin Medders. 8-2 Bulldogs.

17:37 ANOTHER three for Georgia, and the Cyclones' defense is rough. 11-2 Bulldogs.

16:57 Jumper, Georgia. 13-2 Bulldogs.

16:37 ISU turnover results in an ISU foul on the other end. Bulldogs to shoot two. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 15-2 Bulldogs.

16:22 Thrown away by Iowa State. Another turnover, and ISU can't solve this defense. This is bad news.

15:58 Iowa State ball, under the hoop. First media timeout

GEORGIA 15, IOWA STATE 2

Game Time!

Just before tipoff today, some quick keys to victory for the ISU women's basketball team:

1) Control the tempo. Lyndsey Medders and co. need to control the pace of the game early, and allow themselves to settle in with the near home-court advantage. The same thing that worked against the Cyclones in the Big 12 Championship Game could work in their favor tonight -- being close to home.

2) Wieben inside. To get the outside rolling, Nicky has to establish herself inside early and often, and stay out of foul trouble.

Well, here we go! The game will be shown in its entirety here in Iowa, but for those of you outside of the state, check back for constant updates.

Game on!

Welcome Back!

Hi there everybody!
I hope everyone's Spring Break was as productive as mine. In the meantime the collegiate sporting world has not settled down at all, and I want to get you up to speed. It's midday, and I have a bunch of classes coming up, but check back later today for my keys to victory with tonight's NCAA second-round matchup. I will also be blogging live during the ISU/Georgia game (I will be watching on Television and sharing my thoughts).
Be sure to read Shelby Hoffman's coverage in the Iowa State Daily at www.iowastatedaily.com!

Check back in a bit!

Final thoughts from OKC

So, my time in Oklahoma City is up, and I have a couple of thoughts to share before we head back to Ames tomorrow morning.

First of all, a great big thank you to readers. In this last week my blog has received nearly 1,000 hits, and I appreciate everyone reading and commenting. I hope you keep checking back because I'm certainly not done writing, and it was a lot easier typing knowing that you were reading.

Secondly, a very big thanks to the ISU women's basketball team and its fans. Coach Bill Fennelly and his crew conducted himself with an immense amount of class, and all of the players were unbelievably classy throughout the Tourney. Best of luck in the NCAA Tourney, if I'm not there to cover it.

It was one hell of a ride through the Tourney, and I met some incredible people here -- people who I never even thought I would cross paths with. To all of the new people that I got to know this week, I want you to know how much you made me feel welcome and a part of the Cyclone family. I came to Oklahoma City expecting to cover a tournament, and I leave feeling extremely blessed to have met and gotten to know you a little bit.

And finally, my thoughts about the ISU women's basketball team -- This is something I have wanted to say all week, but decided it would be better served after the Tourney was over with. What a run, and what a great job. You have so much to be proud of, and ISU fans across the nation are proud of you.

I hope you realize what you did for Cyclone Nation -- You brought ISU fans together. On the streets of Oklahoma they were high-fiving each other, unified by your sense of togetherness. That's quite an accomplishment for a very highly-distinguished group of women. You work so hard, I've seen how hard you work in practice, and it doesn't go unnoticed. What happened to you over these last three weeks was no fluke. It was a payoff. Good things happen to good people, and there isn't one athlete on or associated with this team, coaching staff, training staff and scout team included, that isn't a good person.

OK, I'm done being sentimental. Maybe that's just the senior coming out in me, knowing that after two years of following and covering this team, I'll be gone next year. That's a little emotional for me, too.

Thanks so much for reading, and I hope you continue to do so. Please email me at pabrown@iastate.edu to send me your thoughts, and what I can do better. I appreciate it.

Congratulations to the ISU women's basketball team on a great season, and good luck in the NCAA Tournament.

Signing off from Oklahoma City, I'll see you all soon. Take care.

End of game

Ouch. Still, a fine effort put forth, going cold midway through the second half killed the Cyclones though.

50.0 Medders layup, then ISU fouls. They still only have five team fouls, so they have to foul twice more.

46.5 Iow State fouls Plumley, crowd doesn't like it.
Jenna Plumley to shoot two first one up and down. Second one up and down. Oklahoma buy eight, 63-55.

36.4 Lacey hits a three, 63-58 Sooners. Cyclones foul immediately. Rush to shoot a one-and-one. First one up and missed.

25.7 Ezell misses a shot from WAY downtown, and OU to shoot more free throws. First one up and missed. ANOTHER chance for ISU.

17 seconds. Lacey has the ball stolen from the best free throw shooter on the team. OU shooting two. First one up and down. Second one up and down. OU up 65-58.

10.2 Medders with Iowa State's last bucket of the game...65-60 Sooners. Paris to the line for two. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 66-60 Sooners.

A very touching moment....Medders and Ronhovde come off the court in tears ... Iowa State fans give them a rousing ovation, thanks to encouragement from coach Bill Fennelly.

FINAL SCORE OKLAHOMA 67, IOWA STATE 60.

Stay tuned for postgame thoughts. But let me tell you something. There is NOTHING to be ashamed of. The Cyclones fought hard throughout the whole Tourney, and while Sherri Coale cuts down the nets, the Cyclones are watching, crying and waiting it out.

It's on to the NCAA Tourney for the Cyclones, who gave the Sooners their toughest challenge of the tourney.

Lyndsey Medders named to the All-Tournament team.
Courtney Paris named MVP. No surprise there.

So this is it, for now. Stay tuned. Be back later.

Second half, again

Sorry, folks, the internet was down here on press row. A Lacey three and Paris bucket makes it 59-51 Sooners with 2:48 left to play.

2:48 Oklahoma fouls, their sixth team foul. ISU shooting from here on out.

2:41 Turnover, ISU, and OU fans can smell another title.

2:25 Paris with a layup, Sooners by 10.

2:06 Medders fouled trying to lay it in, two free throws coming up. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 61-53 Sooners.

1:41 left, ISU basketball, and if they don't get a basket here, consider it over.

1:28 Wieben misses a three, OU rebound, and they're gonna win.

56.8 seconds left, OU by 8

Second half, part two

15:52 Lacey to shoot two free throws. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 35-27 Iowa State.

15:32 Wieben gets her third foul. That's rough. Paris to shoot two. First one up and no good. Second one up and down. 35-28 Iowa State.

15:17 Ross can't buy a bucket. Missed jumper, OU rebound.

15:08 OU jumper. 35-30 Iowa State leads and OU with all the momentum.

14:53 Missed layup Ezell. OU rebound.

14:45 3-pointer OU. 35-33 Iowa State, and OU with ALL THE MOMENTUM. Crowd going wild.

14:13 Laey missed jumper, OU ball. Fennelly not looking happy at all.

13:53 OU airball, Pierson rebound.

13:40 Ross another missed bucket. OU rebound.

13:29 OU turnaround jumper, tie game. 35-35.

12:56 Missed 3-pointer, Lacey, rebound out of bounds to the Sooners. Trouble...big trouble...Iowa State has gone cold at the wrong time in the game.

12:38 Nisleit fouls, OU ball still. Seond team foul on ISU.

12:35 Jump ball, but it stays with the Sooners.

12:30 3-pointer Oklahoma, 38-35 Sooners lead. Fennelly wants a timeout, and the crowd is going nuts. Oklahoma on an 11-0 run, and the Cyclones need to stop the bleeding desperately.

Oklahoma looks to be taking over this game...They're making the shots they need to make, when they need to make them.

12:02 Pierson hit jumper, 38-37 Sooners.

11:40 Courtney Paris is back. Another layup, 40-37 Sooners.

11:23 Traveling, Cyclones. OU ball, all the momentum, and things aren't looking good at all.

11:23 left, OKLAHOMA 40, IOWA STATE 37

11:07 Turnover, Oklahoma. Cyclone ball.

10:54 Foul inside on the Cyclones. It looks like the refs sure as heck know who is supposed to win this game. And they're calling it that way, too.

10:27 Ezell 3-pointer. 40-40 tie ballgame.

10:01 After failing to call THREE over-the-backs on Courtney Paris, Ronhovde called for a foul. Paris to shoot two. First one up and down. Money. Second one up and down. 42-40 Sooners.

BIG POSSESSION FOR IOWA STATE

9:48 Wieben with a bucket, and it's all knotted up again.

9:34 Paris inside with a layup, easily. 44-42 Sooners.

8:57 Airball from Lacey, OU rebound.

8:38 3-pointer OU 47-42 Sooners.

8:17 Missed three Ronhovde, Sooners rebound, and bury a three on the other end. 50-42 Sooners, and they're getting control of this game. Fennelly wants a timeout.

7:30 Traveling, ISU, OU ball.

7:11 Jumper, Oklahoma. 52-42 Sooners.

6:29 3-pointer Plumley...a dagger and probably puts the game out of reach. Steal and putback, 57-42 Sooners.

Just like that.

6:02 left, and this one is just going to be played as a technicality at this point. Iowa State's magic seems to have run out.

5:42 Ronhovde missed 3-pointer, OU rebound.

5:09 Medders for three. 57-45 Sooners.

4:24 Ezell for three, 57-48 Sooners. Sooner coach Sherri Coale wants to talk things over, with a comfortable lead in hand.

4:01 Missed jumper, OU, ISU ball. NEED A CONVERSION ON THIS POSSESSION

3:52 Charge on Medders, and that's her fist, but a big momentum killer for the Cyclones -- whatever they had, anyways. From here on out, it's a formality.

Iowa State desperately needs a stop here, and its time is running out. That little run by Oklahoma killed the Cyclones.

Oklahoma is going to milk the clock, so ISU needs solid defense.

Second half, part one

ISU ball to start the secdon half. Bucket, Iowa State. 28-23 Iowa State leads.

19:29 layup Oklahoma. 28-25 Iowa State.

19:08 Ronhovde 3-pointer rims out, OU rebound.

18:58 Wieben rejects Paris, ISU ball.

18:29 Medders draws a foul on Plumley, her second of the game.

18:24 Jumper Ronhovde 30-25 Iowa State

18:11 Traveling Oklahoma, ISU ball.

17:57 3-pointer Ross. 33-25 Iowa State.

17:43 Jumper Oklahoma. 33-27 Iowa State.

Sooner crowd trying to rally their troops.

17:22 Medders missed jumper, OU rebound.

17:04 Ronhovde missed three. Iowa State is trying to shoot from the peremiter a lot.

16:56 Turnover Oklahoma, ISU ball.

16:29 ill-advised shot by Ross, OU ball.

15:52 Lacey draws a foul and will shoot two after the break

15:52 left, second half. IOWA STATE 33, OKLAHOMA 27

First half, part five

Here we go, final media timeout of the first half, with your score all tied up at 21 apiece. Sooner basketball.

3:47 Pierson got a piece of Paris' jersey, foul Cyclones. Sooners shooting free throws from here on out.

3:27 Missed 3-pointer by Ross, OU rebound.

2:31 Turnover Ezell.

2:08 Traveling, Oklahoma. ISU ball, still tied at 21.

1:50 Missed 3-pointer, Medders. OU rebound.

1:44 Foul, Iowa State, Courtney to the line to shoot one-and-one. First shot up and no good. ISU rebound.

1:25 Lacey gets an and-one on a nice runner through the lane. 23-21 Iowa State before the shot. Shot up and down. 24-21 Iowa State leads.

1:11 Oklahoma jumper good. 24-23 Iowa State lead.

53.2 seconds Medders travel, Oklahoma basketball.

31.0 seconds a horrible airball shot by Chelsi Welch. Still 24-23 Iowa State lead.

4.0 seconds Another runner by Lacey. 26-23 Iowa State.

HALFTIME SCORE, IOWA STATE 26, OKLAHOMA 23

See you in a few

First half, part four

7:48 left to play, first half. 19-16 Sooners lead it.

Iowa State seems to have settled down, but there's nothing they can do to stop Paris....Fennelly isn't even surprised by that. They just have to get enough hands in there to make it be a tough shot.

7:48 Traveling on OU on the inbound, ISU ball.

7:27 Ezell trying to drive, gets tied up. Jump ball, arrow gives the ball to the Sooners.

Both Paris girls on the court. That's scary.

6:55 Pierson misses a point-blank layup. That miss hurt...a lot. Sooner rebound.

6:03 Medders with a running layup. I almost got CLOBBERED with a basketball while typing. I'm officially putting myself in harm's way for you now. Hope you're happy.

5:37 Medders has her pocket picked by Plumley. Ronhovde fouls on the other end.

4:48 Paris with an and-one. That was huge for the Sooners, who were on one heck of a scoring drought. 21-18 Sooners before the free throw. Free throw up and no good, but the Sooners rebound it.

4:20 Ronhovde buries a three after Paris stuffed Ross. 21-21 tie game.

3:56 to play, with your score, OKLAHOMA 21, IOWA STATE 21

First Half, part three

11:59 left, first half, OKLAHOMA 17, IOWA STATE 9 Cyclone ball

Iowa State needs to convert quickly and often, because Oklahoma is not going to go cold at all. The Cyclones seem to have finally calmed down, but it has already cost them dearly, as they now have a huge hole to dig out of against a huge team. Their 3-ball needs to start falling.

A Cyclone fan is holding her "'Go Cyclones!" sign upside down...bummer.

11:44 Ross travels. And that hurts. Iowa State needed to convert. And then Ross went to the bench for Medders. No surprise there.

11:20 Missed Ronhovde three. Sooner basketball.

11:00 Paris gets her own rebound three times before she scores. That's ridiculous. She's superhuman. 19-9 Sooners.

10:38 Lacey fouled while trying to layup. First one up and no good. Man, they need to hit their free throws. Second one up and down. 19-10 Sooners. Need a stop. Desperately.

10:20 Lacey buries a three. 19-13 Sooners.

9:51 Wieben misses a three ball.

9:36 Wieben and Paris get tangled up. Wieben called for the foul. Sooner media people laughing. I'm not.

9:32 There's a key charge taken for the Cyclones, Courtney Paris called for it. That was big. Iowa State needs to convert.

9:09 Pierson rejected, she's really struggling inside. Wieben checks in for her.

8:35 Medders buries a three. 19-16 Sooners.

8:22 Wieben rejects Paris. Jump ball, ISU ball.

7:48 Paris misses another layup, Iowa State struggling on the glass, though. Called for over the back, and that takes us to our next media timeout.

7:48 to play, OKLAHOMA 19, IOWA STATE 16

Second half, part two

14:55 to play, Iowa State ball, and it needs to settle down quickly. Oklahoma leads 13-5 and the Cyclones are rattled. Noticeably rattled.

14:30 Medders missed bucket. OU ball. That's bad.

14:16 Paris with a spin move and an easy layup. 15-5 Sooners.

13:55 Pierson draws a foul on Ashley Paris while shooting. She needs to bury both of these. First one up and no good. NOTHING is falling. Second one up and down. 15-6 Sooners.

13:44 Oklahoma with a running jumper. 17-6 Sooners and the game is already getting out of hand.

13:12 Turnover Cyclones. Man this is not good.

13:03 Ronhovde for three. 17-9 Sooners.

12:43 Cyclones can't capitalize on an OU miss, and turn it over.

12:26 OU travel. ISU ball, and it needs to convert again.

12:15 Ezell missed 3-pointer, rebound out of bounds to the Cyclones.

11:59 Missed OU shot, rebound out of bounds to the Cyclones after the media timeout.

11:59 left, first half. OKLAHOMA 17, IOWA STATE 9

First half, part one

Well, here we go ladies and gentlemen! Live from a sold out Cox Convention Center in beautiful Oklahoma City, welcome to Iowa State vs. Oklahoma in this Big 12 Conference Championship Game!

And the Sooner fans yell at the end of the national anthem.. "And the home, of the SOONERS!!" I haven't figured out if that's cool or rude yet. I'll get back to you on that one.

Away we go with the starting lineups! Iowa State's pep band is getting drowned out, and constantly having to stop. Already losing the battle before the war even starts.

A deafening roar hits the arena as the Sooners enter. ISU coach Bill Fennelly chuckles to himself a little bit, he knows he's on the road, and it's going to be an extremely tough atmostphere to play in...

And here we go, with the upset-minded Cinderella fifth-seeded Cyclones taking on the defending Big 12 Tourney Champion second-seeded Sooners. Bill Fennelly got a pregame hug from Oklahoma coach Sherri Coale. I think he liked that.

20:00 Opening tip controlled by the Sooners...not really a surprise there.

19:51 Plumley misses a three, but ISU misses on the other end.

19:23 OU jumper 2-0 Sooners.

19:03 Ronhovde a missed three, Paris with a layup on the other end. 4-0 Sooners.

18:36 Wieben a missed layup. This is starting how eveyone expected.

18:20 layup Sooners, 6-0. Timeout Fennelly. Told you that was coming.

It's now or never for the Cyclones. They desperately need to settle down and make a run. They look rattled already.

18:06 Missed jumper Wieben..OU rebound.

17:48 3-pointer OU 9-0 Sooners.

17:19 layup Sooners, another timeout taken by Fennelly. Ouch. 11-0 Sooners. ISU in a lot of trouble early.

Iowa State needs to calm down and play its game.

16:48 Nothing is falling for the Cyclones. Nothing. Wieben missed layup.

16:12 Pierson lays it in for Iowa State's first bucket. 11-2 Sooners.

15:44 3-pointer Medders from way downtown. 11-5 Sooners.

15:26 OU jumper. 13-5 Sooners, and Iowa State needs to answer on this possession.

14:55 OU throws it away, first media timeout. I'm going to post this now, so I don't have to look at it anymore.

14:55 OKLAHOMA 13, IOWA STATE 5

Final pregame thoughts

Well, my pregame rituals are complete. I slapped hands with Nicky Wieben's and Lyndsey Medders' mom, just like before every other game the Cyclones have won this tournament.

There's a good showing from ISU fans here, however, clearly outnumbered by Oklahoma fans, but that comes as no surprise.

And here are the keys to the game, 17 minutes before tip:

1) Wieben needs to keep her speed up, her fouls down and try to establish something inside. It doesn't have to be much, but she has a good cut move under the hoop, and needs to get her shots to fall early on.

2) Contain Jenna Plumley. Try and use her youth as a freshman to their advantage. Her 24 points two nights ago doomed th Baylor Bears.

3) Get Courtney Paris in foul trouble. Paris has a great move under the hoop, but that means she's prone to a charge or two. The Cyclones need to get her in foul trouble early.

4) Shoot the ball well. A slow start, or a long period of scoring droughts will bury the Cyclones, whether it's early in the game or late in the game. Iowa State is in its biggest game of the season -- of their careers -- and it's going to be a very, VERY tough game to win.

5) Take the crowd out of the game early, and don't let it back in. The Sooners have fed off their crowd this whole tournament, and they will continue to do so.

And that's it. 13:30 until the tip. The nerves are up, the atmosphere electric.

Bring a little Hilton Magic to the South!

Pregame Shootaround

Let the trash talking begin.

It's going down, the plethora or OU fans absolutely demolishing ISU fans, but, then again, why wouldn't they? Defending champions who has beaten Iowa State three consecutive times. Plus they have home court advantage.

Even all of the media representatives seem pretty confident in Oklahoma's chances, and again, why shouldn't they be? The Sooners are the clear favorite in this game, and probably would have been had they played A&M as well.

With all of that said, this is why they play the game. Throw everything out of the window, because the team that gets one more win returns home with a conference crowd.

Above are some pictures from the pregame shootaround. Sorry some of them are so dark, but I think you get the idea :)

Pregame thoughts from ISU athletic director Jamie Pollard -- "I'm glad we have Bill Fennelly coaching. If anyone can beat these guys, he can."

Pregame thoughts from ISU senior associate athletic director Steve Malchow -- "I'm glad we have a senior point guard and they have a freshman point guard. You never know how that youth is going to react during a big game like this."

Pregame final score guess from KASI color analyst Brent Blum : 72-61 Sooners.

I plead the fifth on my final score guess.

One other thing to watch out for if you're an ISU fan -- Look for a quick timeout from coach Bill Fennelly if the Cyclones fall down early. I mean 4-0 or 6-0. He's probably going to want to stop the bleeding before the game gets out of hand.

And there you have it. The clock reads 45:45 until tipoff. And then it's gametime!

See you in the first half.

One hour til D-Day

So I was just outside before getting ready to go, and let me tell you, there are a lot of Sooner fans out there. A lot.

ISU fans greeted and cheered the women's team as it made its way to the stadium, and the atmosphere outside is electric. We'll see how it goes, with Oklahoma a clear favorite to win its second consecutive Big 12 Tournament.

Of course, the last team to win the Tournament after playing four tournament games was Oklahoma...in 2004.

I'll definitely get some blog stuff up as the pregame shootaround is taking place, and then, of course, keep my live blog up during the game.

Until then, hang in there, and be sure to tune in and check out the game. I'm nervous, I'll tell ya that much.

Thanks for reading. Let's see what happens.

Good morning, er, afternoon

Hola all-
Just a quick little update for yall before I head out to grab some lunch.

Today's the day! We'll see how it goes. All I can say is I hope the girls had an easier time sleeping than I did, because I was completely worthless last night, my nerves are shot. Maybe they're not supposed to be, but they are, and I get a little more excited with every passing minute.

The thing is, it's such a longshot to win, no one has given Iowa State a shot. And, then again, why should they? Oklahoma beat Iowa State by a lot when they played this year, and have not even so much as stumbled in the Big 12 Tourney.

Iowa State, on the other hand, has had close games in every round. The thing is, Iowa State will undoubtedly be shooting the longball today, and their shots need to fall.

Fennelly said yesterday the Cyclones need to score at least 70. That means it can't be cold. At all. We're talking 40 percent from three-point land. And they need to bury at least 10 threes.

It's going to be interesting. I'll check back later before the game!

Press Conference, ISU women

Hey all-

Hope your day is going well, and thanks for checking back. There will be a new story about Bill Fennelly and Oklahoma coach Sherri Coale uploaded soon on www.iowastatedaily.com so I encourage everyone to check it out.

The press conference was a good one today, nothing unexpected came from it. So here are some random notes and thoughts from today's presser.

First of all, at the Oklahoma State/Texas A&M game tonight they announced tomorrow's game is completely sold out. So yeah, it's going to be a hard task to win ... as if it wasn't already. Last I heard Jamie Pollard didn't order 3,000 tickets to give away, so chances are there are going to be a lot of Oklahoma fans in attendance.

Did you know?

Iowa State holds the most wins in the Big 12 Tournament with 15. Oklahoma has 14.

Iowa State is 2-1 in the Championship game. Oklahoma is 3-1.

Iowa State holds the record for most 3-pointers made in a Tournament game, with 14, set on March 8, 2000.

More random factoids to come later :) I can't use them all up now!

Tomorrow is going to be an extremely tough game...a lot of things need to go right for the Cyclones to win. The 5 seed and the 2 seed have never met before, so I'll be interested to see how it plays out tomorrow night.

The Sooners are not taking the Cyclones lightly. Obviously the Cyclones are not taking the Sooners lightly, either. Both Fennelly and Coale are class-act coaches who have their teams ready to play every game.

The matchup this year earlier in Norman is hopefully not a sign of things to come. This is a totally different Iowa State team, but it's also a totally different Sooners team. The best part about it all is that the teams' styles are completely different.

Iowa State is a perimeter team, whereas Oklahoma is a pound-it-inside team. And if Wieben and Pierson get in foul trouble, that means Ross or Nisleit will be forced to guard Courtney Paris for a little bit, and that could be unfortunate. Especially when OU has both Ashley and Courtney Paris on the floor.

That's all that i have for now, check in a bit later for some more information. Hope you all are having a great day, and thanks for reading.

Good afternoon

So...No games today. But there is an ISU press conference at 3 p.m. that I'm going to go to. Look for updates here, as well as on www.iowastatedaily.com

So last night I had a dream, and I don't think it's a bad idea. Let me preface the story with this: It's no secret Jamie Pollard will do anything to win. He loves to win, and that's why we love him. And when he saw the Wells Fargo Tournament in Des Moines was putting us at a competitive disadvantage, he called it off.

Well, we're at a competitive disadvantage again ... we're 30 miles outside of Norman.

So, here's my dream: Pollard bought an allotment of 3,000 tickets and gave them away to ISU fans and students who were on their way south for Spring Break. The building would still be overwhelmingly filled with Oklahoma fans, however, that many more ISU fans would undoubtedly beneficial.

Granted, it was just a dream, but when I woke up, I was disappointed it wasn't reality.

So, here are my early thoughts about the matchup against Oklahoma.

If you remember last year's tourney, when ISU almost beat Oklahoma, it let Courtney Paris have the lane all day long. They didn't defend her, she got exhausted and eventually started missing easy layups.

Well, I'm not sure if that's going to work this time. I think it's worth a shot, though, seeing as how Jenna Plumley scored 24 points against Baylor last night, and she's one of the most athletic players I've seen in a long time.

Iowa State desperately needs to have its shooting be on, as well. It can't go cold, seeing as how the Oklahoma/Baylor score was past the Iowa State/A&M score midway through the second half.

I have no idea what to expect out of this game. But I do know this: Bill Fennelly will have them ready. If Iowa State wins, it would probably be an upset of 1980 USA hockey proportions. No. 5 seed unranked Iowa State against No. 11 second seeded defending Big 12 Tourney and current regular season champion Oklahoma.

That's quite a list. It's quite a task. But I think they're up for it.

That's all I have for now, check in after 3 p.m. for some thoughts after the press conference. I hope you're having a great day, and thanks for reading.

Settling down

Another day, another win. And let me tell you, it was a good one.

Unfortunately for the Cyclones, Oklahoma beat Baylor Thursday night, so the defending Big 12 champs will defend their title ... on a virtual home court.

Which, by the way, is the most completely ridiculous "neutral court" I've ever seen. It's not fair. Granted if OU fans are going to come out, that's great, but then don't call it a neutral court. It's a clear home court advantage for the Sooners.

But I'm going to focus on the Cyclones' HUGE victory over the No. 1 seed Aggies tonight. What a game. What heart. What a team. Regardless of what happens Saturday evening, the Cyclones and their fans should be proud. Very proud.

Entering as a five seed, they're the only team left who played in the first round. They overcame incredible odds to win their semifinal game. And man, was it impressive.

Here are your random facts for the night:

The No. 5 seed is now 2-4 against the No. 1 seed.
Iowa State is 4-2 in the semis.
Iowa State is 3-0 against A&M in the Big 12 Tourney.
Iowa State is 2-1 in the Big 12 Championship
The No. 5 seed has NEVER played the No. 2 seed. (Oklahoma is the No. 2 seed)
Bill Fennelly recorded his 18th win in the Big 12 Tournament, the most among all active Big 12 coaches.
Iowa State is going to the Championship game for the fourth time in school history.
Iowa State has won eight straight.
Iowa State has made a 3-pointer in 366 straight games.
Lyndsey Medders is one field goal attempt shy of tying Stephanie Smith for seventh-most field goal attempts in a season. Medders has taken 398 shots.
Nicky Wieben broke her own ISU record for most blocks in a season with 60 on the season.
Iowa State is 19-1 when leading at the half this season.
Five different ISU players hit a three pointer.


And there are your random stats of the night. Be sure to check in tomorrow throughout the day. Yes, there's no game, but there's an ISU press conference at 3:05 p.m. and I'll also be putting my thoughts out at least a couple of times tomorrow.

Saturday's the big game! Be sure to check out all my coverage of both the men's and women's tourneys at http://www.iowastatedaily.com/

You can email me with comments at pabrown@iastate.edu, and I hope you do.

Thanks so much for reading. I'll try and do better tomorrow.



What a great performance

Second half, part II

11:17 A&M to the line for two free throws. Missed them both. Cyclones need a basket now.

10:58 Ronhovde's three just short, then bounces over the hoop. Still 43-37 Iowa State, A&M ball.

10:42 steal, Iowa State.

10:20 Over-the-back on Ronhovde after a missed Ezell 3-pointer. Iowa State's fifth team foul. And they've gone cold.

9:34 Medders fouls, her third foul and the sixth team foul. A&M is shooting from here on out. Trouble.... First shot is up and down. Second shot is up and missed, but A&M rebound and a bucket. 43-41 Iowa State. Medders to the bench...

Fennelly wants to talk things over.

Ronhovde limps off the floor...

9:20, pivotal point in the game. Cyclones need a basket here. They need to do SOMETHING with the ball. This was the run I was talking about, and Iowa State needs to respond.

Medders and Ronhovde not in the game spells trouble...Fennelly is probably trying to get Lyndsey past the 8 minute mark because of her fouls, but that's two starters not in the lineup. Time to test Iowa State's depth.

8:55 Ross layup. 45-41 Iowa State, and they need s defensive stop now.

8:28 3-point attempt for A&M rims up and over the hoop. ISU ball, Medders still on the bench, Ronhovde back in.

8:10 Foul called on A&M. only their second team foul, so they have plenty of breathing room. Iowa State can take it to the media timeout, though.

7:52 ISU turnover, media timeout. Cyclones clinging to a four-point lead.

A&M ball, ISU needs to play some stingy defense.

7:33 A&M jumper good, 45-43 Iowa State. They need a conversion desperately.

7:08 Medders checks back in.

6:54 Ross with a rebound, but traveled. A&M ball down just two. Pivitol possession right here, and the Cyclones need a stop.

6:33 jumper good, tie game, 45-45. TROUBLE.

6:17 Medders draws a foul, A&M's third team foul, and Medders to the line. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 47-45 Iowa State. DEFENSE.

6:03 fadeaway jumper good, 47 all. ISU ball.

5:46 Medders called for her fourth foul, A&M ball.

5:32 A&M missed layup, out of bounds to Iowa State. NEED A BUCKET! Tie game.

5:13 Wieben turnaround jumper, 49-47 Iowa State.

4:48 Iowa State draws a charge. A&M's fourth team foul. Big possession coming up.

4:25 Ross hits a jumper from the free throw lane. 51-47 Iowa State, timeout A&M.

3:56 Ezell called for a foul, A&M will shoot a one-and-one after the break.

It's going to come down to the wire...

3:56 First shot up and down. Second shot up and no good. 51-48 Iowa State. They need a bucket here, too.

3:40 A near turnover, but Iowa State keeps possession with 14 on the shot clock

3:31 jumper good, 53-48 Iowa State.

3:21 Steal Iowa State A basket hear would be incredible.

2:54 backdoor to Ross for the lay in. 55-48 Iowa State.

2:32 Ronhovde called for a foul on the rebound. one-and-one opportunity for A&M First shoe up and no good. A&M in double bonus from here on out.

2:15 Jump ball, Iowa State owns the possession arrow. Medders checks back in.

2:00 Ezell misses a three, A&M misses a layup on the other end. Cyclones working the clock, but the game is far from over.

1:45 A&M starting to foul, only up to their fifth team foul.

1:44 Foul away from the play, Cyclones now in the bonus. Still 55-48 Iowa State A bucket here would be huge.

1:32 A&M fouls, Lacey to the line for one-and-one....GOTTA MAKE EM. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 57-48 Iowa State.

1:06 Over-the-back against A&M, Cyclones hussle to the free throw line. Iowa State up nine.

1:06 Ronhovde up..first shot up and air balls....not good. A&M ball.

54.4 seconds, jump ball, possession arrow goes to A&M. Need one more stop to ice the game. One more stop. Just one more stop.

CYCLONES ARE GONNA WIN. THE IOWA STATE CYCLONES ARE GOING TO THE BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!!!

FINAL: IOWA STATE 57, TEXAS A&M 51

Second half, part 1

START OF SECOND HALF: IOWA STATE 28, A&M 25

Interesting note -- Iowa State hasn't led at the half yet in this tournament. We'll see how they handle the lead.

A&M is 16-0 when it shoots over 40 percent, and 8-5 when it doesn't... Defense matters...

GAME ON!

19:49 Rejection Wieben, ISU ball.

19:40 Turnover ISU, Ross fouls, it's her thrid personal, and Iowa State doesn't want to foul this often...

19:17 Traveling, A&M.

18:50 Ronhovde misses a three, noone there to rebound for ISU.

18:29 3-pointer Amanda Nisleit. 31-25 Iowa State.

18:10 3-pointer A&M with a wide-open look. 31-28 Iowa State.

17:54 3-pointer Ronhovde. 34-28 Iowa State.

17:20 Ronhovde foul while trying to rebound ... 2nd team foul...

17:14 Medders fouls...3rd team foul...

17:04 Traveling, A&M turnover, Cyclone ball.

16:54 Traveling, Medders. turnover, A&M ball.

16:39 A&M jumper good. 34-30 Iowa State, and it needs a bucket here.

16:19 Traveling on Nisleit. Turnover, Cyclones, A&M ball. Iowa State needs to get it together in a hurry.

15:59 running jumper good by A&M 34-32 Iowa State.

15:39 Lacey for three. 37-32 Iowa State.

14:50, not only did Medders save a possession by throwing the ball off an A&M player, but she managed to spill a Dr. Pepper all over press row. That'll teach 'em..

Iowa State needs to keep its pressure up, and focus on getting good looks at the hoop. When they get those looks, they need to bury the shots. A bucket on this possession would be big right now.

14:34 Ronhovde buries a three. 40-32 Iowa State.

13:48, turnover, Iowa State. That's a bummer, as the Cyclones could have used a bucket there.

13:33 3-pointer A&M. 40-35 Iowa State.

13:08 airball, Ezell, out of bounds. A&M ball, and this is trouble. Big trouble.

12:46 Over-the-back on A&M ... Cyclone ball, and just A&M's first team foul.

12:17 Ezell for three. 43-35 Iowa State.

11:56 layup, A&M 43-37 Iowa State.

11:34 ill-advised shot by Lacey, A&M rebound.

11:17 A&M will be shooting two freethrows after the media timeout. Iowa State's fourth team foul.

They really need to watch their fouls now, and continue to get good looks. A&M is going to make a run, there's no doubt about it. That's why they're the No. 13 team in the nation and the top seed in this Tourney. The Cyclones need to weather the storm.

11:17: IOWA STATE 43, A&M 37 See you on the other side.

Halftime thoughts

ISU is playing solid, but it needs to come out with the intensity it did in the second half last night. It will be a very interesting second half.

Quick keys to victory:
Ezell needs to keep shooting
ISU defense needs to keep playing tough
ISU needs to keep fouls at a minimum, like in the first half
Ronhovde needs to catch fire.

On to the second half! See you 10 minutes through.

FIrst half, part two

The crowd is still roaring as the Cyclones take the court.

11:44 15-14 ISU lead, with the ball.

11:23 Pierson with a nice layup but she walked. That took a little wind out of their sails. A&M ball.

11:12 Easy layup for A&M ... 16-15 Aggies.

10:43 Ezell missed three, A&M rebound. Big possession for them.

10:26 A&M 3-pointer. 19-15 Aggies

10:10 Horrible charging call on Medders. 19-15 Aggies, with the ball.

9:57 layup A&M, 21-15 Aggies, and Fennelly is not happy.

9:22 A&M travel, and that was a blessing. ISU needs to convert right now. Gotta cut the lead to four.

8:59 Lacey with a nice turnaround jumper. 21-17 Aggies.

8:05 two missed layups, Aggies rebound. Again, ouch. Gotta make those shots. Every time, gotta make those shots.

7:48 A&M traveling. 21-17 Aggies as we head into the third media timeout.

Iowa State's defense needs to buckle down and get it done. A&M is getting FAR too many open looks inside, and they've been money outside the arc, too. Something needs to be adjusted quickly, or ISU won't be able to keep pace.

If the Cyclones can get a bucket on this possession, the ISU fans will go wild. They need it, because they need some momentum. Desperately.

7:31 Nisleit with a bucket, Cyclones down two, 21-19.

7:10 A&M with ANOTHER easy layin. 23-19 Aggies.

6:49 Ronhovde rejected. Ouch.

6:37 A&M with a BLATANT over-the-back that wasn't called. She TACKLED Wieben. No call, but the ball goes out of bounds to the Cyclones.

6:20 ISU turnover, and Ross was open under the hoop. Just couldn't find the handle.

5:44 Pierson throws it away. Miscommunication, but that just can't happen. Not against the No. 13 team in the nation.

5:20 Medders tees up a 3-pointer from the top of the circle. 23-22 Aggies.

5:01 Charge on A&M..questionable. But still, ISU ball down one.

4:31 Ezell for three! 25-23 Cyclones lead it.

4:00 A&M ties it, but the shot clock wasn't running...interesting.

3:49 ISU called for a travel...Fennelly is...well...not happy, to say the least.

The Cyclones power chant going strong..ISU President Greg Geoffroy is tossing his pom pom and everything. A&M ball all knotted at 25.

3:30 A&M fouls and the Cyclones are now in the Bonus. They'll be shooting from here on out.

2:56 Ross called for over-the-back in an unfortunate situation because the rebound was coming to her anyways.

2:39 Jump ball, ISU ball, still tied at 25 apiece.

2:10 Ezell 3-pointer rims around and falls. 28-25 Iowa State.

1:41 Ross travels with it, turnover Cyclones.

1:06 Three seconds violation on A&M ... although it was more like 6 seconds. Still, it was called. Still 28-25 Iowa State.

38.4 Medders misses a layup, Pierson picks up a foul, but still, only the fourth team foul. ISU has done a GREAT job of avoiding foul trouble in the first half, and it needs to keep that up.

Looks like A&M is going to dribble the clock out...we'll see how that goes

7.3 seconds, shot clock violation. No timeout for the Cyclones, usually works better on the fly anyways.

That'll do it.

HALFTIME: IOWA STATE 28, TEXAS A&M 25

See you in the second half.

Game on!!

So, I won't lie, I'm nervous for these girls. But whatever happens, give them credit. It's been an incredible run for them. And they've represented Iowa State with class.

Medders is revved up and ready to go. It's exciting.

Wow, now the pep band is chanting "What's an Aggie?" ha. And the men's pep band took off their shirts to reveal Cyclones on their chests and Go State on their backs (There's a space between Go and Cyclones)

Here we go! Game on, everyone!

North vs. South, Cyclones vs. Aggies, and everyone's pumped.

20:00 A&M wins the tip.

19:30 3-pointer by A&M, rough start, 3-0 Aggies.

19:10 Wieben with an and-one. 3-2 before the free throw. free throw up and down. 3-3.

18:47 A&M banks one home. 5-3 Aggies.

18:37 Traveling, Iowa State. Turnover.

18:04 Another travel, another turnover. Still 5-3 Aggies, but can't give them too many turnovers.

17:50 Another bank shot...7-3 Aggies and the Clones need a bucket now.

17:28 Ross with an offensive foul, and things NOT starting out well for the Cyclones at all.

16:28 Three offensive rebounds gets the Cyclones two points. 7-5 Aggies.

16:08 A&M buries a three. 10-5 Aggies.

15:36 Lacey with a drive to the hoop. 10-7 Aggies.

15:17 Aggies drive to the hoop, 12-7

15:00 Wieben with a runner. 12-9 Aggies. Fast paced game thus far, and A&M hasn't missed much.

14:23 A&M jumper from the lane. 14-9 Aggies.

14:00 Medders 3-pointer, 14-12 Aggies.

13:40 Traveling on A&M. 14-12 Aggies, first media timeout.

Take a breath. Cyclone defense needs to tighten up a bit, they haven't gotten A&M to miss many shots, and when they have, A&M has pulled down the board every time.

12:40 Cyclones get three cracks at the basket and only hit the rim once before an air ball sails out of bounds. They almost turned it over twice, too. Gotta stay patient.

12:19 A&M throws it away. Cyclone ball, still down 14-12.

12:03 Ronhovde buries a three. 15-14 Iowa State.

11:44 traveling, A&M, and Iowa State gets the ball back heading into the second media timeout. Be sure to check back here at the end of the first half.

Side note ... the A&M fans by me just said, "Bill [Fennelly] has them ready to play today." As if that's a surprise?

Check back in a bit!

Pregame shootaround

So you want to know how much this game means? The pep bands are competing...in the shootaround. Iowa State's pep band just played Aerosmith's dream on, and A&M's came back and played the same.

Looking at the two teams before the game...it's going to be an interesting matchup. Much like it was in Ames. THe men's ISU pep band us is in attendance as well. Should be a good one, folks.

Lots of ISU fans in the stands, again, not much of a surprise there. I can't even really say anything else about it at this point. Just thought you'd find the dueling pep bands hilarious. At least, I did.

Gametime just 11 minutes away. Check back for your 10-minute first half update!

ISU women pregame

And away we go!
After an early (and rather depressing) loss by the men's team, it's onto the women's game -- a 6 p.m. tip against 13th ranked, top-seeded Texas A&M. Outlook: rough. It's not going to be easy. But then again, that's never stopped this team before.
I'll be interested to see what happens. Talking to a reporter from The Oklahoman, he was convinved no Big 12 North teams have a chance against any Big 12 South teams. Baylor, Oklahoma, A&M and Iowa State are the only teams left -- just one North team -- us.
So how can they fare? It depends on who shows up. Iowa State topped A&M in Hilton, but that was Hilton. This is not. So here's what needs to happen right off the bat.

Wieben is going to be covered strongly in the post, so she needs to establish herself inside early. I would be very surprised if she tees up for another three, but if she has an open look, she'll take it, because she can knock it down.

Medders needs another huge game today. Maybe, because she was at the men's game earlier, she'll be pumped and ready to roll. But the Cyclones are going to have to fall back on her.

Ronhovde needs to wake up. She came up huge in the final games of the season for the Cyclones, and she needs to return.

Ezell needs to shoot well from the perimeter, and not be afraid to miss. Just tee up and bury them, because the girl can shoot, that's for sure.

Defense, defense, defense. It's always said -- Offense wins games, defense wins championships. Well, Iowa State undoubtedly has a chance to prove that right, and they need to step it up on defense. Give up 45 points to A&M in the first half like they did yesterday, and that'll spell trouble.

The FANS. ISU fans need to be as loud as they've ever been. Now is the time to bring a little Hilton Magic into the South. More than ever.

They have a chance, and it's hard not to pull for these girls. The No. 5 seed has just one win in the semifinals (1-5). Can ISU make it two? Maybe. We'll soon see.

Just over an hour until tipoff. I'm excited, you should be too. Check back for first half stats a little after 6 p.m. And tune into FSN.

This is a big game for the ISU women's basketball program. A&M rolled their only opponent so far in the Tourney, whereas ISU has had two close games...It'll be interesting.

I'll update in a bit with the first 10 minutes of the first half.

Men's postgame

Well, it was a typical end to a roller coaster season, but that's OK.
Credit this team for hanging in there and never saying die. It was a gutty effort by both the players and ISU coach Greg McDermott.
Consider this:
After Wayned Morgan was fired last season, six players left the team early, including stars Curtis Stinson and Will Blalock. They also lost Mike Evonovich, Farnold Degand, Shawn Taggart and Tasheed Carr. Two recruits had committed to Iowa State, but backed out. So in all, Iowa State lost eight players. Eight.
Greg McDermott did the best he could with what he had. The Cyclones finished the regular season at .500 ... something to build off of. They almost finished in the top half of the Big 12 -- a win over Texas Tech would have put them as a sixth seed.
So in all, it was a solid year for the Cyclones. Nothing spectacular, however, something to build on. And with a very, very solid recruiting class on its way, next year should be interesting.
That's it for the ISU men's team this season. See you in November, Cyclones.

Good season. Do it better next year.

Second half part Two

11:51 left, Hubalek to shoot one-and one..first one up and down. Second one up and down. Sooners by three, 44-41, and ISU fans trying to rally the troops.

11:39 OU hits an and-one. Free throw up and down, OU by six.

Clark is back in the bench, looks to be OK.

11:28 Taylor with a nice dish to Johnson who finished. Sooners by four

11:11 Sooners run the same play as last time and it works to perfection.

11:00 Taylor with a reverse layup. Sooners lead cut to four ... again

10:10 Johnson picks up his fourth foul...and that one hurts. Sooners by four with the ball.

9:23 Hubalek picked up his fourth foul. Ouch. Hubalek and Johnson with four apiece. That's rough. First shot up, rims around and falls. Second shot up and down. Sooners by 6, 51-45. Cyclones need a bucket right now.

9:03 McIntosh to Gray who dunked it home. OU up by four.

8:28 Cyclones with a chance to cut the lead to two and Taylor carried the ball. That one stings a lot. Iowa State has not been able to get any closer than four.

8:07 Sooners to the line for a one-and-one. First one up and down. Second one up and and no good. Sooners by five, 52-47.

7:52 Taylor hits a three. Sooners by two, 52-50.

7:35 Sooners respond with a layup, go back up by four, 54-50.

With Johnson and Hubalek still on the bench Iowa State needs to come up with something. Clark with a turnaround jumper. Good to see him back in the game. OU up 54-52.

5:50 Another foul on the Cyclones, OU to shoot two. First one up and down. Second one up and missed. OU up three, 55-52. Big possession here for the Cyclones, and Taylor was rejected.

5:08 Taylor shooting one-and-one First one up and down. Second one up and down. OU by one, 55-54.

4:36 Taylor with a runner, connects, ISU up 56-55. First lead of the game for the Cyclones. Timeout Oklahoma.

Bill Fennelly chanting for the men's team in the crowd. The chant is Cyclone Power, and Fennelly is making himself be heard. I'd like to see him in a cheerleader outfit like what Pat Summit did for Bruce Pearl's squad.

4:07 OU with a putback, Sooners by one, 57-56. Big possession again for the Cyclones.

My thoughts right now: At least Iowa State made it respectable. They played a good second half..If they could only put two halves like this together, they would have won a few more games this season.

3:35 Johnson had an open look but couldn't get a handle on the ball, turnover, Cyclones. Not good.

2:29 OU for three, up by four. Crowd goes wild, Cyclones in trouble. Down, but not out just yet. They desperatley need a bucket on this possession, though.

Nothing's falling for the Cyclones, and with 1:45 left, it looks bleak. 60-56 OU leads.

And down the stretch they come. Get Medders on the court.

1:16 After a shot clock violation, the Cyclones have a little life, but it's loud. Very loud.

Another turnover. 59.2 seconds left.

54.2 seconds, OU makes its first free throw. Second one up and missed, OU rebound, Hubalek fouls out. This one's done, folks.

Rough season, but we'll see how next year goes for G McD and his crew. This was a transition year, and everyone expected it to be.

See if the women can pull off a HUGE upset tonight. I'll be there. Hope you'll be there with me.

FINAL SCORE: OKLAHOMA, 68, IOWA STATE 63

Second half, part 1

Welcome back. As Blum said, Iowa State isn't done yet, but they need to wake up and make a little run before this thing gets out of hand.

Oklahoma's fight song makes me sick. Only because of how the Sooners dominated me in NCAA College football 2007. And I heard that fight song about 30 times when I played them.

Hubalek and Johnson have a combined 0 points. That needs to change in a hurry.

19:45 Johnson misses the first shot of the half. Not a good sign.

Jiri is on the floor...but I think he may just be watching the game as a spectator. Wake up!

19:00 Johnson misses another jumper. not good. OU connects on the other end. 37-23 Sooners.

18:32 Johnson finally connects, and gets an and-one. Free throw is up and no good. 37-25 Sooners.

18:26 After two Sooner freethrows, they're back up by 14. And the ISU bench looks like a bunch of 7-year-olds disappointed on Christmas morning cause they didn't get that X-box 360.

18:02: Hubalek connects on his first bucket of the game. Sooners by 12.

17:30 Hubalek with another one. Nice move in the lane, too. Sooners by 10, 39-29.

17:10 Another 3 from the Sooners. Oklahoma by 13.

16:40 Clark fouled while shooting, and the Cyclones desperately need him to hit these shots. First one up and no good. Figures. Second one up and down. 42-30 Sooners.

16:07 Good ball movement by the Cyclones..Clark to Johnson, who was fouled while trying to dunk. First shot up and down. Second shot up and down. 42-32 Sooners, and a big defensive possession upcoming for Iowa State.

15:39 Hubalek with a nice putback. Sooners by eight.

Cyclones had a chance to cut it to five, Johnson missed a three, and Hubalek was called for over-the-back while trying to rebound.. That could have been huge. Still, Cyclones starting to chip away a little bit. Need another defensive stop, though.

14:15 Taylor buries a three. Sooners by five, 42-37.

13:21 Clark fouled, and he rolled his ankle. Staying in the game though. Johnson with a layup, 42-39 Sooners.

12:50 Jumper by OU puts the Sooners back up five. Worse off, though, Clark limped off the court, and it going to the locker room.

12:30 Oklahoma commits its sixth team foul. ISU shooting from here on out. Could be great, or could be awful.

11:51 Hubalek to shoot a one-and-one after the media timeout. Longar Longar picked up his third foul. If he ordered from Little Ceaser's, would Longar Longar order a pizza pizza?

11:51 left to play in the second half ... in someone's season...

OKLAHOMA 44, IOWA STATE 39

Brent Blum's halftime thoughts

Hey all, remember me. Good to talk to you again...it's been awhile.

The Cyclones couldn't have played much worse in the first half and OU not much better. Yet, ISU only trails by 12. Which is actually quite remarkable. It's sort of like waking up at six in the morning on two hours of sleep after pounding shot after shot of tequila and jaeger-bombs and saying to yourself, "Well that could have been much worse." Not that I have any experience witht that.

The good guys need to wake up Jiri and tell him the game has begun. Might as well tell my main man Wesley Johnson that as well.

OU is controlling the tempo and finding open shooters as Iowa State is sitting in a zone. They won't continue to make this many 3's.

This thing is not over yet. The Cyclones need Mike Taylor to go nutty in the 2nd half to have a shot though. If they don't score 40 in the 2nd...they are done for the year.

Good talk everyone...I'll yell at ya'll later. (OKC is rubbing off on me.)

First half, part II

11:29 left, Oklahoma 16, Iowa State 12.

Quick reminder -- Brent Blum, KASI sports talk show host and color analyst will blog during at the half.

9:54 McIntosh fouled shooting a three. Three more free throws on their way. First one up and no good. Second one up and down. Third one up and down. 18-14 Sooners.

9:39 There is a complete mismatch down low between OU's Carter and ISU's Gray.

9:22 3-pointer ISU. 18-17 Sooners.

9:00 Pep band taking credit for an OU missed free-throw. Ha. 19-17 Sooners.

8:37 Team foul number six on OU...Iowa State shooting from here on out.

8:14 Team foul number six on ISU...OU shooting from here on out.

7:16 Blum calls the ref "Hollywood" cause he likes his hair. God, I've missed that. He may be the only man alive who can roll off every NCAA referee's name.

6:05 Hubalek cannot get it to fall. That spells trouble. Jiri is struggling, and so are the Cyclones. 23-17 Sooners, with free throws upcoming. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 25-17 Sooners.

5:35 Another ISU foul. Sooners shooting two. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 27-17 Sooners. Oklahoma is on an 8-0 run ... all free throws.

3:39 Cyclones can't buy a bucket, down 29-19. It's not surprising, but it doesn't make it any less disappointing. 12 of OU's 29 points have come from the free throw line. That's huge for them, a team that has nearly as much trouble scoring as the Cyclones do.

3:16 OU with an over-the-back call. ISU to shoot one one-and-one after the media timeout. First one up and down from Marsden. Second one misses. 29-20 OU.

2:53 OU for three. 32-20 and the game is starting to get out of control.

1:15 Taylor 3-ball. 32-23 Sooners.

55.9, timeout OU with 32 seconds to shoot. I'm sure they're going to get a shot off within 20, though, so they can have the last possession. Iowa State desperately needs a stop here.

43.5 Marsden takes a charge...questionable, but it went Iowa State's way, so no complaints here.

0.00 OU hits a three at the buzzer. 35-23 halftime score. Iowa State looks bad. I mean, really bad.

Stay tuned as Brent Blum chimes in his thoughts during the half. See you at the midway point of the second half.

HALF: OKLAHOMA 35, IOWA STATE 23

Take it away, Blum.

Iowa State vs. Oklahoma

Well, here we go...Round one, ISU men vs. Oklahoma. Obviously a lot of Oklahoma fans here, however, there were considerably more in attendance for the OU women's game yesterday. I imagine if OU wins this game many more will show up tomorrow for the Kansas matchup.

Exciting news. Former Daily columnist and current KASI talk show host/ISU women's color analyst Brent Blum is going to share his thoughts at the half. Blum pretty much invented the blog at the Iowa State Daily, blogging live from Dallas last year at the Big 12 Tourney. You're not going to want to miss this.

Somehow it sounded louder for Iowa State during introductions. I think it may have something to do with Oklahoma State fans, who are clearly cheering for Iowa State.

Well, onto the show. The anthem is sung and intros complete, and now it's on to this first round Big 12 Tournament game at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City.

Corey McIntosh is clapping with the ISU fans...cute

20:00 Tip won by OU

19:42 Easy layup for Oklahoma...could be a long game inside...

18:52 3-pointer by OU-- 5-0 just like that.

18:18 Iowa State's first bucket, a good luck from Johnson into Clark 5-2 OU.

16:53 The crowd goes wild and McDermott already needs a timeout to stop the bleeding. Looks like it's going to be yet another slow start for the Cyclones, and Oklahoma isn't letting up. 9-2 Sooners. The three lone Cyclone Alley members standing in the ISU section don't look terribly happy...

16:34 A pretty drive from Mike Taylor inside gets the Cyclones another bucket. 9-4 Sooners.

The ISU pep band is playing...And I'm not terribly impressed with its drummer. Give me a set of sticks and let me tear that kit up.

15:30 Longar Longar just rejected rejected Mike Taylor Taylor

14:47 Ross Marsden Marsden just rejected Longar Longar.

14:10 Clark with a monster dunk. 11-6 Sooners.

13:51 Longar Longar missed missed his first free throw. He missed missed his second throw, too.

13:08 Iowa State ball, shot clock doesn't roll. What is this, Hilton Coliseum?

12:54 Dunson fouled shooting a three. To the line for three shots. First one up and down. Second one up and down. Third one up and down. 11-9 Sooners.

12:23 3-pointer Mike Taylor, 13-12 Sooners

12:11 Sooners respond with an and-one. Free throw up and down, 16-12 Sooners.

11:29 left in the first half, Sooners with a four-point lead and the ball.

OKLAHOMA 16, IOWA STATE 12

Check back in a little while for the rest of the first half!

Marching into battle

Well, with just under an hour until tipoff in the ISU men's game, there is quite a buzz around Oklahoma City.

The Cyclones just completely their pep rally outside..unfortunately it wasn't half as entertaining as yesterday's women's rally. Can't wait to see what today's women's rally is going to be like, but more on that game later.

As we near the opening tip in the Men's Big 12 Tournament, No. 8 Iowa State is set to face No. 9 Oklahoma in a virtual road game. Seriously, there are more Oklahoma fans here than in Norman, I think. Not sure how that's possible.

I have a busy day myself, as I'll be blogging pretty much all day, and cranking out some articles for the print edition of the newspaper. While the men take center stage right now, it's hard to not be thinking about the ISU women's game tonight at 6 p.m. Sure, maybe they're a longshot to make it to the Championship game, but they do have a chance, and eight other teams would love to have a chance right now. More on that game later...seriously.

So here's what Iowa State needs to do in order to have a chance against Oklahoma.

1) Get off to a fast start -- So many times this season the Cyclones have started out incredibly slow. In a hostile environment against a team like Oklahoma, the Cyclones can't afford to start slow and let the Sooners' momentum get out of control.

2) Avoid stupid shots and take the ball inside -- Jiri Hubalek is instrumental to the Cyclones' success, or lackthereof, today. He needs to take charge in the middle and put as many shots down as he can early. Especially if Taylor has an off day.

3) Get the ball into Wesley Johnson's hands -- This kid is special already, and he's going to be something else next year. He's only a freshman. Let Johnson take control of the game.

I'm not sure how Iowa State is going to fare -- I guess it depends on which team shows up. If this team puts together 40 good minutes of basketball, which it has yet to do this season, they have a shot. Let's wait and see.

Well, that's all I have right now, tipoff is in 45 minutes. Be sure to check back during the game for updates every 10 minutes.

A sense of calm..three hours later

Well, the calm has been restored, at least for now.

What a great college basketball game. You know, it's times like these that I am grateful to be in this business. I just got to see one of the best college basketball games of the year. A dramatic win in a win-or-go-home game is like none other.

Of course, it surprised no one that Medders hit the game winner. It surely didn't surprise me that Wieben set a great screen--she's been doing that all year.

And the pieces came together. If only for another night, the pieces came together again. The second half was one of Iowa State's best efforts of the season. It would have been easy to roll over every time Nebraska made a run and put the Cyclones back in the rear-view mirror. But they didn't. They persisted.

This is a special group. It's a special team. And they have a legitimate shot to upset Top-seeded No. 13 Texas A&M tomorrow. They're not favored -- nor should they be, as the Aggies are the Big 12 regular season Champs -- But they have a chance, if things go their way.

They've rolled off seven straight wins. Ever since the loss at Baylor, this has been a different team. It hasn't always been pretty. But they're finding ways. And that's what good teams do. They find ways to win.

Yesterday's effort wouldn't have even come close to winning today's game. But again, they did what it took. They adjusted, and won another game.

Here are some random figures for you:
The No. 5 seed is now 6-5 against the No. 4 seed.
Iowa State is 6-4 in the second round.
Iowa State is 4-0 against Nebraska in the Big 12 Tournament.
Iowa State is 3-2 in the semifinals
The No. 5 seed has only ever won one game over the No. 1 seed.
Today's game was the 3rd overtime game in Big 12 Tourney history.
Bill Fennelly recorded his 17th win in the Big 12 Tourney, the most among active Big 12 coaches.
Iowa State is unbeaten in OT games this season
Nicky Wieben scored in double figures for the 21st time this year.
Megan Ronhovde tied Monica Huelman for the fifth-most games played in an ISU uniform.
Alison Lacey tied her career high with 3-pointers (4)
Lyndsey Medders has an assist in EVERY game she's played in as a Cyclone.
Iowa State has hit a 3-pointer in 365 straight games.
Tomorrow marks Iowa State's sixth appearance in the semis.

That's quite a list. And the Cyclones may just add to it tomorrow. A lot of things need to go right, but when you boil it down, Iowa State undoubtedly deserves to be there.

Next, though, are the ISU men at 11:30 a.m. in the Ford Center. Check back later to get my thoughts on that. I had to give this one up for the women's team, though. They've earned it.

Have a great night, and thanks for reading. Check back in the morning for the ISU men's basketball preview, ISU men's basketball live game updates, ISU men's basketball postgame thoughts, ISU women's basketball pregame, ISU women's basketball game live updates and ISU women's basketball postgame.

Oh yeah, and check www.iowastatedaily.com Thursday to check out a feature on Lyndsey Medders, the women's game recap and the men's game preview.

Have a great, safe night everyone. Thanks for reading. I'll try and do better tomorrow.

Overtime...unreal

Here we go. Five good minutes in overtime. What a finish in that second half. Away we go. Iowa State wins the tip.

4:41 Wieben misses a layup, rebound out of bounds to the Huskers. Rough start.

4:17 Nebraska missed jumper, Medders the rebound.

4:01 Ronhovde missed three. Nebraska rebound.

3:19 Iowa Stat three pointer, they lead by one.

2:54 Wieben layup, Iowa State by three.

2:21 Medders draws a foul, going to the line for two. Big free throws, but still a lot of basketball to be played. First one up and down. Second one up and down. ISU by five points, 77-72.

1:57 Nice jumper by Nebraska, cuts the lead to three. Got a shooter's roll.

1:35 Missed inside jumper, Nebraska rebound.

1:24 Ross foul on a rebound, Nebraska to shoot two free throws. They can cut the lead to one with both. First one up and down. Second one up and down. Swish. 77-76 Cyclones

52.8 Wieben missed a gimme layup, Nebraska rebound. Ouch. Nebraska basketball with 47.3 seconds and down only one. Another crazy finish coming up. This has been a great college basketball game.

HERE WE GO! NEBRASKA BASKETBALL WITH 47.3 SECONDS LEFT.

35 seconds, turnover, then they fouled Medders, who will shoot two. Two insanely large free throws.

26.6 seconds. Medders Free throws. First one up and down. Second one up and down. Cyclones lead by three 79-76.

NEBRASKA BALL Looking for a three. 7.3 seconds left, timeout Nebraska. Looking for a tie. Cyclones huddled up on the court. GAME ON!

Nebraska may be looking for a quick layup.

Missed three pointer! Cyclones WIN! Cyclones Win!!!!

Final: IOWA STATE 79, NEBRASKA 76 Cyclones to play A&M tomorrow. Check the Daily for stories, and check back here later for more updates. Thanks for hangin with me through all this chaos.

Second Half, part II

11:01 left, Cyclones trail by two. Nebraska ball under their own hoop. ISU fans going crazy. Nebraska has only hit ONE field goal this half. Six total points. Cyclones fighting for their Tournament lives right now.

10:44 Nebraska finally gets one to fall. 53-49 Nebraska. leads it.

10:10 Medders fouled. Two big free throws coming up. First one up and down. Second one up and down. 53-51 Nebraska.

9:38 A crazy flurry of events gives Nebraska a bucket and the ball back. 55-51, Nebraska ball and gaining momentum.

9:29 Two fouls in 9 seconds puts Nebraska in the Bonus. They're shootin from here on out.

9:03 A Nebraska foul now puts Iowa state in the Bonus. Both teams shooting free throws from now on.

8:29 Ezell draws a foul on a layup. Again, this is why free throws are so important. First one upand missed. Second one up and good. 55-52 Nebraska.

8:11 Over the back call gives the Cyclones a one-in-one chance, with Wieben at the line. First one up and missed. That one hurt.

7:50 Wieben lays it in down low. 55-54 Nebraska.

7:32 Lacey BURIES A THREE POINTER. Timeout Huskers. 57-55 Iowa State leads for the first time since being up 13-12 with 12:27 left in the first half. The Cyclones have outscored Nebraska 21-10 in the second half thus far.

7:17 Nebraska hits a three. 58-47 Nebraska leads again. Well that was short lived.

6:54 Scary moment. Ross goes down hard and hits her head. Really shaken up on the play. Scary moment. She leaves the court under her own power. Iowa State was called for a foul, so Nebraska will shoot a one-in-one.

6:54 Free throws: First shot up, no good, ISU rebound. Ross still being tended to on the bench.

6:15 Hardy with a good drive and layup. 60-57 Nebraska. Iowa State needs a bucket.

5:50 Lacey with ANOTHER three. Tied up. Lacey with 14 points on the day, including four 3-pointers. What a game. Ross still being tended to on the bench.

5:11 Shot clock violation. That hurt. Score still ties, 60 apiece.

4:40 Pierson with a layup. 62-60 Iowa State, followed by a Nebraska travel. ISU ball, up two. HUGE POSSESSION coming up.

Buckle up, folks. It's going t be a crazy finish. The Cyclones are marching onto the court like warriors. Big possession. Game on.

4:17 Medders buries a three. 65-60 Iowa State.

3:55 Nebraska layup. 65-62 Cyclones.

3:26 Wieben rejected inside. Nebraska ball down by three. 3:05 left, Iowa State fouls. Nebraska to shoot two after the break.

Boy we have a finish for you today. What a game. What a dogfight. Can the Cyclones hold on? It's going to be extremely close, to say the least.

3:05 Two free throws on the way. First one up and swish. Second one up and swish. 65-64 Cyclones. Big possession (I've been saying that a lot lately)

2:48 Wieben draws a foul in the lane. Two free throws coming up. First one up and no good. Ouch. Second one up and down. Cyclones by two, and they have three players in double figures today.

2:23 Nebraska misses a layup. ISU rebound. Yet ANOTHER big possession for the Cyclones. Two missed chances.

1:54 Lacey with a block while trying to take a charge. First free throw good. Second one up and down. Tied 66-66. Wow. Here we go, down the stretch they come!

1:36 Medders misses a layup. Nebraska ball.

1:10 Layup makes it 68-66 Nebraska. Iowa State ball. What a game. Timeout ISU.

52.2 seconds left, 14 on the shot clock. Timeout ISU. Still down two. If ISU can draw a foul, they'll be shooting two. Conversely, if they foul Nebraska, it will be shooting two.

48.7 Ronhovde draws a foul while shooting. Not a great free throw shooter, and these are the two biggest free throws of her life. She missed the first. Second one up and down. Nebraska leads by ONE POINT.

What a finish coming up here. Under 30 seconds left.

12.2 seconds left, timeout Iowa State, down by one point. MY heart is going a mile a minute. What's Fennelly got up his sleeve? Can they convert?

9.7 seconds left, Iowa State throws the ball away. Two free throws for the Huskers. First one up and good. Nebraska by two. Second one up and good. Nebraska by three.

1.7 seconds left Medders TIES IT WITH A THREE!!!!!!!!! OVERTIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW Check in to see it. WOW.