**WBB Cyclones vs. Texas game thread***

[twistedredbird]

Agree on Enemkpali, she was ejected from last years game in Ames and should of again last night.

It is as if Judy Conradt style of thug ball has returned to Austin.

though in TX defense, that game was called really really tight for Big 12 play, but ISU adjusted better than Texas. And, their star 6 7 footer was clearly frustrated and close to a T herself last night. But, truth is, I think the foul trouble hurt us more than them. It put 2 of our 3 best scorers on the bench, and Anna with 35 minutes would have blown this game open. She was our leading scorer, and she only played half the game. It was hard to see Anna so upset last night after she got her 5th foul.

 

[cydney]

It is as if Judy Conradt style of thug ball has returned to Austin.

though in TX defense, that game was called really really tight for Big 12 play, but ISU adjusted better than Texas. And, their star 6 7 footer was clearly frustrated and close to a T herself last night. But, truth is, I think the foul trouble hurt us more than them. ...

In one respect, I agree, it hurt ISU more, because our starters were dominating their starters, and I really believe we would have maintained a double-digit lead at halftime if Pop and/or Anna were not on the bench. Their depth was better than our depth, so they were back in the game and feeling confident -- something you never want to let a Texas team get.

But in another respect, their fouls hurt them more because it frustrated them and it put us on the line. We may have almost lost the game by missing free throws, but we also won the game with free throws. At the same time, Texas missed a number of free throws early, preventing them from getting more momentum. Texas players' frustration was a factor too, and seeing it probably helped energize ISU when we were getting worn down. For the most part, our team handled the emotional side very well.

 

[CycloneBob]

In one respect, I agree, it hurt ISU more, because our starters were dominating their starters, and I really believe we would have maintained a double-digit lead at halftime if Pop and/or Anna were not on the bench. Their depth was better than our depth, so they were back in the game and feeling confident -- something you never want to let a Texas team get.

But in another respect, their fouls hurt them more because it frustrated them and it put us on the line. We may have almost lost the game by missing free throws, but we also won the game with free throws. At the same time, Texas missed a number of free throws early, preventing them from getting more momentum. Texas players' frustration was a factor too, and seeing it probably helped energize ISU when we were getting worn down. For the most part, our team handled the emotional side very well.

I was very surprised that Texas didn't seem like they attempted to adjust to the refereeing. Their 2 bigs continued to hack away, then get whistled - pretty stupid IMO. Even though Anna fouled out, she (as well as Pop) appeared to adjust play according to the way the refs called the game.

 

[jbhtexas]

I don't have a problem with a 7 player rotation, and it has been pretty standard for BF over the years to run a 7, maybe 8.

It's different now though than it has been for the majority of BF's time at ISU. The physical, brutal conference grind is two games longer now. I'm with Dryburn on this one...If BF can't get one or two more players to contribute meaningful minutes, I'm afraid the gals will be wiped out by the time the Big 12 tourney rolls around.

 

[cydney]

It's different now though than it has been for the majority of BF's time at ISU. The physical, brutal conference grind is two games longer now. I'm with Dryburn on this one...If BF can't get one or two more players to contribute meaningful minutes, I'm afraid the gals will be wiped out by the time the Big 12 tourney rolls around.

There is no reason that the bench cannot improve during January. Why not put in time on their own to get stronger, more fit, handle the ball better, etc.?? The team will need them, and they can treat it as training camp to work on specific things that will help the team. Z can work on strength, quickness, and fitness. Any athlete who wants to rise to another level does this. One month is enough to make a difference. Ashley can work on speed and ball handling. Watch more game video and play video to get more comfortable with Big 12 offenses and defenses. Fallon and Kidd can work on specific things too. In individual ways, the bench can become deeper if they want to. They don't need to transform into all-Big 12 caliber players. They just need to be able to play a few minutes of sound basketball. Obviously that's easier said than done, but it sure seems like it can be done.

 

[twistedredbird]

Lets also hope we have a few big lead type games we can rest them too. TCU comes to mind. In his Presser coach said the way they will keep them fresh is by reducing hard practice time.