In the 20 years I've been following the sisters, i've had the pleasure of seeing some great games and huge upsets.I remember Taylor's turnaround three-pointer to beat Texas. The upset against Texas Tech when they were ranked second. This game ranks up with the best of them.
One could almost say this is a tale of two halves but it really wasn't. We could talk about statistics and there's only two that really need to be discussed. So let's start with the two halves.
Coach had a brilliant game plan put into place as Texas was not known for their three-point shooting. The guards collapsed on the post anytime the ball went to the middle and you could tell it was effective. What was impressive in the first half was the fluidity of the Texas offense. They pass the ball incredibly fast and effectively. It was actually fun to watch. Initially the defensive game plan didn't work as Texas seemed to sink every three-pointer they threw at the basket starting out four for four. They edged their way out to a double-digit lead before the sisters made some stops and get a couple scores to end the half. Texas still held a comfortable double-digit lead and it appeared the game potentially could get out of hand. The half wasn't a calamity though because the ladies ended it on a real upswing.
Whatever Bill said at halftime seemed to make all the difference in the world. Not only did the sisters come out playing defense, but the shots started to fall as they open the half on a 7 to 0 run.
The second-half wasn't an example of offensive beauty. Rather, it was great determination, tenaciousness on defense, and a willingness to get scrappy in a way we don't often see from an Iowa State team. If someone told you the team would go nearly 8 minutes without scoring and would miss five straight free throws to close out the game you would probably guess they lost. If it wasn't for defense and rebounding that's exactly what would've happened…but it didn't. This team found a way to work the clock, keep Texas from scoring just enough and win a game that quite possibly could be a turning point for this team.
The other statistic? How about Texas out-scoring its opponents something like 42-19 in the paint this year. This includes wins against Stanford, Tennessee, and ATM. Today? That tenacious collapsing defense kept it to 16-12. Killer.
For the first time in ages, the POG is Moody. In one half she had the game we all wish we could expect from her all the time. She scored from deep and drove the lane. She rebounded. She dished the ball. Great play by the senior.
We got to see the usual from Seanna and continued toughness out of Fallon. We obviously missed Jadda, but thanks to Moody staying out of foul trouble we were ok. We only saw token time from any other point players. Our other senior, Brynn, was as active as I've seen her in a while. Of course she gets defensive attention, but she was all over the place, sometimes even lying on the floor as she scrapped.
It may not have seemed like it, but Bre had a good game and made some positive strides on the tough play front. She had some shots blocked, air balled a free throw, but on the defensive end she had her best game of the year.
For anyone who stayed after the game ended it was something to see Coach Fen come back on the floor to be interviewed on TV. Tears were streaming down his face. This was as emotional a win for him as he's had in quite some time. He should be proud. After the embarrassing second half at TCU the team bought into the plan and executed perfectly defensively.
Eight minutes without scoring to end the game. Five straight missed free throws that could have iced the game. Yet, with a defensive effort like this it didn't matter. ISU wins one for the memory books 59-57 over previously unbeaten and #3 Texas. Way to make a statement ladies.
One could almost say this is a tale of two halves but it really wasn't. We could talk about statistics and there's only two that really need to be discussed. So let's start with the two halves.
Coach had a brilliant game plan put into place as Texas was not known for their three-point shooting. The guards collapsed on the post anytime the ball went to the middle and you could tell it was effective. What was impressive in the first half was the fluidity of the Texas offense. They pass the ball incredibly fast and effectively. It was actually fun to watch. Initially the defensive game plan didn't work as Texas seemed to sink every three-pointer they threw at the basket starting out four for four. They edged their way out to a double-digit lead before the sisters made some stops and get a couple scores to end the half. Texas still held a comfortable double-digit lead and it appeared the game potentially could get out of hand. The half wasn't a calamity though because the ladies ended it on a real upswing.
Whatever Bill said at halftime seemed to make all the difference in the world. Not only did the sisters come out playing defense, but the shots started to fall as they open the half on a 7 to 0 run.
The second-half wasn't an example of offensive beauty. Rather, it was great determination, tenaciousness on defense, and a willingness to get scrappy in a way we don't often see from an Iowa State team. If someone told you the team would go nearly 8 minutes without scoring and would miss five straight free throws to close out the game you would probably guess they lost. If it wasn't for defense and rebounding that's exactly what would've happened…but it didn't. This team found a way to work the clock, keep Texas from scoring just enough and win a game that quite possibly could be a turning point for this team.
The other statistic? How about Texas out-scoring its opponents something like 42-19 in the paint this year. This includes wins against Stanford, Tennessee, and ATM. Today? That tenacious collapsing defense kept it to 16-12. Killer.
For the first time in ages, the POG is Moody. In one half she had the game we all wish we could expect from her all the time. She scored from deep and drove the lane. She rebounded. She dished the ball. Great play by the senior.
We got to see the usual from Seanna and continued toughness out of Fallon. We obviously missed Jadda, but thanks to Moody staying out of foul trouble we were ok. We only saw token time from any other point players. Our other senior, Brynn, was as active as I've seen her in a while. Of course she gets defensive attention, but she was all over the place, sometimes even lying on the floor as she scrapped.
It may not have seemed like it, but Bre had a good game and made some positive strides on the tough play front. She had some shots blocked, air balled a free throw, but on the defensive end she had her best game of the year.
For anyone who stayed after the game ended it was something to see Coach Fen come back on the floor to be interviewed on TV. Tears were streaming down his face. This was as emotional a win for him as he's had in quite some time. He should be proud. After the embarrassing second half at TCU the team bought into the plan and executed perfectly defensively.
Eight minutes without scoring to end the game. Five straight missed free throws that could have iced the game. Yet, with a defensive effort like this it didn't matter. ISU wins one for the memory books 59-57 over previously unbeaten and #3 Texas. Way to make a statement ladies.
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