Plenty of self-evaluation lies ahead for Iowa State after loss to Iowa

IOWA CITY — In the last couple years, the Iowa State men's basketball team knew who it could lean on in close, late-game situations.

Georges Niang, with his versatility as a scorer and passer, would more often than not make the right decision. But Niang is gone, and somebody has to fill the void.

Monte Morris should be that guy. Deonte Burton could be that guy. But on the heels of three losses in the last four games — the latest a 78-64 defeat at Iowa — the Cyclones (6-3) appear to be searching their veteran-laden group for someone who will step up.

'No one is doing enough right now,' Burton said. 'It's not just the seniors. It's everyone. We all have to do it collectively and stick to our principles.'

It's not uncommon for teams to have hiccups in November and December, but Iowa State has shown some red flags that could be cause for concern, particularly on offense.

The Cyclones managed a lowly 0.784 points per possession in the first half against Iowa, which entered the game No. 153 in KenPom's adjusted defense. At game's end Iowa State had 9 assists on 25 baskets, committed 11 turnovers, shot 35.7 percent from the field and was 8-for-30 from 3-point range.

'I'm going to take a lot of this man,' said Naz Mitrou-Long. 'I've got to be better, not only in this game, but the past four or five games. Up to this point I haven't been what I can be. I need to be a better leader and be a better fifth-year senior.'

Iowa State has made teams pay by spreading the floor and cashing in from beyond the arc in the past, but through nine games it has been anything but an asset. The Cyclones are 212th in the country in 3-point percentage with Matt Thomas and Mitrou-Long, both capable shooters, checking in at 36 and 26.7 percent, respectively.

As poor as Iowa State played offensively and in transition defense, the Cyclones were within striking distance in the second half when they cut the Iowa lead to seven with 6:10 to go. But Iowa State lost any offensive rhythm when it missed two 3-pointers, committed two fouls and had a turnover to help Iowa push its lead back to 14.

'That was frustrating because we had to game plan to get it down,' Iowa State Coach Steve Prohm said. 'The first 12 minutes of the second half we were perfect and right on schedule. We got it to eight or nine and then we went through one little bad slump and they got it back up to 14. That really hurt us.'

Iowa State has a week-plus to sit on this loss and will more than likely see its 61-week stay in the AP Top 25 come to an end Monday before it takes on Drake (1-7) at the Hy-Vee Classic. Only two nonconference games separate the Cyclones from Big 12 play, with plenty of self-evaluation to take place.

'You see who your true friends and true fans are when you're down,' Morris said. 'We've got our heads high and my head is going to stay high. I know what I'm capable of doing and we've just got to go out and make plays.'

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