Texas Tech coach Chris Beard loves Iowa State

AMES — Normally after your top-10 team gets punked by 18 on the road, a head coach isn’t in the mood for a friendly chat with the opposing team’s media.

Don’t tell that to Texas Tech head coach Chris Beard. This is a guy who just loves life, and he loves Iowa State.

Beard, who coached that Little Rock team that Iowa State beat in the NCAA Tournament a few years ago, had so many nice things to say about the Cyclones, and Steve Prohm specifically following Saturday’s 70-52 Iowa State victory over the No. 8 Red Raiders.

Here are a few of his quotes…

On the Cyclones…

“Iowa State could beat a lot of people in college basketball, the way they played tonight. They defended. They played spirited. When we gave them our best punch in the second half, they got back up.”

On Cameron Lard…

“Lard is a fantastic player. He plays really good defense, is a great shot blocker. I saw him play on the circuit and he is a better player now than the last time I saw him. I think you have to give Coach Prohm and his coaching staff a lot of credit for that. Players get better here at Iowa State. He’s a good coach.”

More on the Cyclones…

“That starting five is special, arguably the best starting five in the Big 12. Their bench players are getting better with experience. They play different kinds of defense. They do a great job of not fouling.”

On Iowa State fans…

“I have so much respect for Iowa State’s crowd. These are basketball people.”