ISU shooter on streak from deep

AMES - Scott Christopherson doesn't see what all the fuss is about.

Iowa State's record-keepers have a different perspective on the junior guard's 3-point shooting consistency.

If he makes a 3-point basket tonight at No. 21 Texas A&M, Christopherson will run his consecutive games streak to a school-record 28, topping Mike Taylor's mark set during the 2006-07 season.

“I don't think about it. I didn't even know about it,” Christopherson said. “It's something that when I'm done playing I'll look back on maybe and think is cool. Right now I'm just trying to figure out how to get some wins.”

The Cyclones (14-11, 1-9 Big 12) need a victory in the worst way, having lost seven straight games. Christopherson's outside shooting will be a big key in upsetting a ranked team for just the second time in five seasons.

The Aggies (19-5, 6-4) surely will make it hard for him to get a good look at the basket. With Jamie Vanderbeken doubtful to play because of a severely sprained ankle, that leaves Christopherson as ISU's biggest 3-point shooting threat. Vanderbeken is shooting 43.7 percent from beyond the arc and combines with Christopherson to form the top 3-point shooting tandem in the NCAA with 129.

Christopherson is the Big 12's second-leading 3-point shooter at 46 percent.

“You always know that Scott is someone we can rely on to always hit shots,” freshman teammate Melvin Ejim said. “It's nice to have that.”

His accuracy this season and during this record-setting stretch of games has him atop ISU's career 3-point shooting list.

“Scott is the one guy, any time I look out my (office) window he is down there in the gym if he's not at class,” Coach Fred Hoiberg said. “There's a reason he's as good of a shooter as he is.”

Christopherson, a junior, has a shot at the Big 12 record of 59 straight games with a 3-pointer by Oklahoma State's John Lucas. Illinois' Cory Bradford holds the NCAA record with 88 straight.

Christopherson has maintained the streak while playing through injury.

The team's medical staff thought bone spurs in his right, shooting elbow had him pegged for surgery.

“Scotty's played with a tremendous amount of heart and passion this year,” Hoiberg said. “He's a tough kid.”

Making a 3-point shot every time out when defenses are geared to stop it is not easy.

“It's a combination of a lot of things,” Christopherson said. “Teammates getting me open and getting me the ball, and me being fortunate enough to make some shots. I don't really think it's that big of a deal. ... If I don't hit any threes and we win that'll be great too.”