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