Hines: Even in a win, turnovers concerning for Iowa State basketball

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AMES – The first thing I’ll note is that Iowa State basketball did a lot to like offensively in its 81-70 victory Saturday against Cincinnati.

The 10th-ranked Cyclones made 39% of their 3-pointers, shot just under 50% from the floor for the game (after shooting 59% in the first half) and made 26 of 30 (86.7%) of their free throws.

Most importantly, the Iowa State offense continued the upward trajectory it has enjoyed since Milan Momcilovic’s return from injury.

Saturday’s win makes three-straight for the Cyclones, who were unveiled earlier in the day by the NCAA Tournament selection committee as the nation’s ninth overall team. That makes them the top No. 3 seed in the field with just over a month left before Selection Sunday.

Things for the Cyclones are good.

But as I watched their win over the Bearcats unfold, I couldn’t help but be preoccupied with what wasn’t so good. Because we’ve seen that same version of not-so-good with increasing frequency as of late.

Iowa State is turning the ball over at an uncomfortable rate.

“We definitely got to clean that up,” Curtis Jones said of his team’s 18 turnovers against Cincinnati. 

More: Iowa State basketball: 3 takeaways from the Cyclones’ win over Cincinnati

And before you accuse me of nitpicking after a strong performance in a win, let me just plead guilty right off the bat. I am nitpicking. Take me to hot take jail.

What I’d say, though, is that as we can almost taste the Shamrock Shakes and start hoping for 70-degree days in Kansas City, it’s mid-February. This is the start of the rounding into form that defines seasons and sets teams up for what and who they will be when March arrives.

Right now, in the crucible of the homestretch of a conference schedule, is when the teams that make it to the first weekend in April truly begin to take shape.

More: Hines: Otzelberger has something to say and a message to deliver for Iowa State basketball

Iowa State is undoubtedly one of the teams with the best chances in the…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/hines-even-win-turnovers-concerning-120141823.html

Author : The Des Moines Register

Publish date : 2025-02-16 12:01:00

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