Late Iowa State Game Review

Sorry I am getting to this so late, I had other obligations which kept me away from the computer. In any case, I don't think there is too much I can say about the game that hasn't already been said. The team made a nice statement by blowing Iowa State out of the gym in the second half on Saturday, winning the game, 87-69.

After torching us for 18 points in the first half, we were able to hold Cycle star Craig Brackins to only two points in the second half. I guess Turge0on finally figured out it might be a good idea to double-team their best player, and make the rest of their team beat us.

The decision to start Bryson Graham at PG was an interesting one; I'm not sure if Turge was just trying to see how he would do in the lineup, or he thought Graham would do better in the small lineup with David Loubeau, Bryan Davis, Josh Carter, and Nathan Walkup. Graham's minutes were limited (5 total for the game), but he did show an ability to hit the three, which gives us yet another long-range threat.

I was also happy to see Dash Harris go 2-3 from te floor, and finish with 6 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 turnover in 14 minutes of playing time. I am hopeful Harris will really come on for us in the post-season.

After his game-winning shot to beat Nebraska, I wondered if it signaled that Carter was going to step up and become the player we've always known he could be. Well, his career-high 29 points on 7-10 shooting from behind the arc was certainly a welcome site. If Carter has another big game against Colorado, I think it will be safe to say that the Aggies may have found a player who can carry us into postseason play. If nothing else, Carter's recent performance will re-emphasize to opponents that they need to focus their defense on stopping him first, which should open up our inside game more. Junior Elonu was the only other Aggie to score in double-digits, securing a double-double on the night with 16 points and 10 rebounds. If teams focus their defense on stopping Carter, it should open everything up for Elonu and Davis inside, as well as Holmes and Sloan on the outside.

Our game against Colorado is on Wednesday, in a game that will be televised on ESPNU. If we play like we did Saturday, we'll win our third straight road game.