Iowa State's 37-game home winning streak in nonconference play is over. After leading for almost the entire game, poor shot selection and missed opportunities doomed the Cyclones in a 55-54 overtime loss.
Cincinnati, which outrebounded Iowa State 46-34, physically dominated the Cyclones. Three Bearcats notched double-digit rebounds. The biggest difference in the game was second-chance opportunities, and Mick Cronin's team maximized its opportunities. His team secured 16 offensive rebounds, muscling their way around the paint and seemingly finding themselves in the right spot at the right time more often than not. They just had more effort, and they fought for every one of their buckets down low.
Despite the lack of success in the paint, Iowa State was in control until the end. The Cyclones led 54-51 in overtime but failed to score in the final 2:30.
Their remaining offensive possessions did not go well. They didn't attack the basket, and instead chose to settle for long-range isolation jumpers. Here is how their final three offensive possessions went:
Missed jump shot;
Missed jump shot;
Missed 3-pointer that would have won the game:
This is not the final look #Cyclones wanted at OT buzzer. Video from @Admire_OnAir. ISU loses to Cincy, 55-54. pic.twitter.com/sNbiILT67v
— Keith Murphy (@MurphyKeith) December 2, 2016
As highly regarded as Hilton Magic is, the Cyclones didn't allow for it to happen. Monte Morris elected to pass the ball out on the perimeter on the final possession, instead of taking the ball to the rack down 1. It's becoming a trend of poor finishes for the Cyclones, who earlier in the week lost 73-71 to Gonzaga after failing to get a shot off on the final possession.
Overall, it's a huge win for Cincinnati and Cronin, who have now won four straight. Getting a win on the road is tough to do anywhere. Getting a win at Hilton Coliseum, as history tells us, is pretty close to impossible.
