Grill out against Missouri

Jan 14, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Caleb Grill (2) shoots a three point shot against Kansas Jayhawks guard Dajuan Harris Jr. (3) during the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa State senior guard Caleb Grill will not play in today’s game against Missouri in Columbia.

Grill has been battling through a back injury he suffered during Iowa State’s win over Texas on Jan. 17. He played 17 minutes in the Cyclones’ loss to Oklahoma State last Saturday and attempted only one shot in that time.

The sharpshooter fought through the injury again in Iowa State’s win over Kansas State on Tuesday at Hilton Coliseum after Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger said he considered Grill doubtful going into the game. Grill’s only 3-pointer of the night was one of the game’s biggest shots, but he was clearly laboring through the pain in his lower back.

On the year, Grill is averaging 10.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game for Iowa State while shooting 41 percent from the field, 37.1 percent from deep and 81.6 percent from the free throw line. In Big 12 play, Grill has been one of the league’s best downtown snipers, connecting on 40.8 percent of his 3-pointers to rank No. 8 in the league.

Iowa State is scheduled to play again on Monday when they travel to Lubbock to take on Texas Tech.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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