Iowa State looks to correct recent shooting trouble ahead of Oklahoma

AMES — Coming up short in five of its last six games, Iowa State's team unity has certainly been put to the test.

Players have taken it upon themselves, through simple group text messaging away from the court, to make sure the chemistry doesn't fade as the regular season nears an end.

'We'll text each other some motivating words and I think that kind of keeps our spirits up to know our team has our back no matter what,' senior Fallon Ellis said.

'It's not anything to bring down somebody or be negative to somebody,' junior Nicole 'Kidd' Blaskowsky said. 'We have three seniors that the time is ticking and for me, that's a pride thing. I wouldn't want to go out my senior year not doing the things I know we can do.'

Two double-digit losses on the road separate Iowa State from its last win, but the Cyclones will return to Hilton Coliseum when they host Oklahoma on Tuesday. With just five games remaining in the regular season, it's the recent shooting struggles that are hindering ISU Coach Bill Fennelly's squad.

A cold-shooting second half against Texas Tech was cause for some concern, but it was a 12-point loss at Oklahoma State where the Cyclones shot just 26.1 percent from the field, missing a handful of open layups, that got their attention.

'In the men's game that's a dunk,' Fennelly said of layups. 'We've missed so many shots because everyone now is trying to guard the 3-point line, don't let them shoot the 3. Well, there are teams literally giving us layups.'

Teetering on the line of physical fatigue and needing to get better as the middle of February rolls around, ISU coaches have implemented shooting drills and stations in recent practices to get the team back to old form. Coaches even handed players stat sheets from games where they did shoot the ball well and showed them that two basketballs can fit through the hoop at the same time.

Confidence is a big factor in making shots too, and being reminded of times where things were clicking gives the players more trust in themselves and each other.

'Since everybody's playing us out on the 3, we just have to work in practice and get better at doing stuff we're not used to,' Ellis said. 'I just think with the confidence I have in my team, I believe we can fix this stuff.'

Tipoff between Iowa State and Oklahoma is scheduled for 8 p.m. Tuesday in Hilton Coliseum and will be televised on Fox Sports 1.