DALLAS – The ISU women came into Dallas expected by many to get trounced in the first round. And if – by chance – they won, they would have to play Big 12 juggernaut Oklahoma in the quarterfinals. They had as much chance to compete against Oklahoma as I do against Aaron Brant in a bench-pressing contest. The game started and Courtney Paris took over. She had 12 points and eight boards in the first nine minutes.

It was like watching Shaq play against a bunch of 3-year-olds. OK, more like 12-year-olds. But Iowa State kept hanging around like it has done so many times this year. Every time the Cyclones were on the brink of getting buried, they fought back to within three or four.

Iowa State was like that straggler nobody knows at a house party. He continues to quietly sit in the corner drinking until he hits on the hottest person there and takes her home. If you understood that, I apologize. It looked like the Cyclones would pull off another Vegas-style heist, with a one-point lead and less than a minute to play. But the cops came and thwarted Iowa State’s plans of another upset. A late three and rock-solid defense by the Sooners came up sooner, rather than later. (I think everyone just rolled their eyes.)

It was a fantastic showing for the young Cyclones. They have a bright future ahead. But it was Brittany Wilkins who stepped up in what would be the final Big 12 game of her career. Wilkins came to Dallas with a purpose. She scored 19 points in the first game and held first team all-conference Longhorn Tiffany Jackson well below her season average. Wednesday, she had the responsibility of matching up with Paris, who very well could be the nation’s best player. If she’s not that, she could be the nation’s best potential offensive tackle.

Iowa State opted to not double-team Paris, forcing Wilkins, Nicky Wieben and Lisa Bildeaux to guard her one-on-one. The strategy was bold. Although Paris ended with a Big 12 record and career high 36 points, she tired by the end of the game, giving the Cyclones the slight opening. Wilkins continued to attack and ended with a tough-earned 28 points.

Not bad for someone who was left off the All-Big 12 teams. Not bad for a senior who came into the year as an afterthought to the influx of incoming freshmen. Not even the Round Mound of Paris wanted a part of Wilkins. In the postgame Paris said she was thinking, “Oh my God, Leah [Rush], you guard her.”

A great effort for an unheralded player on a team that wasn’t given much of a chance. A worn-out Wilkins said after the game, “I’m just proud to be a part of this program.” So is everyone else.

I came to Dallas excited to see a team come back from a difficult regular season to possibly make some noise in the Big 12 tournament. Little did I know it would be the Cyclone women – and not the men – sounding off first.

I hope Wayne Morgan’s group took notice of the effort and desire shown by their counterparts since Tuesday. If they play with that type of passion and toughness, maybe they can let me stay around until the weekend. After all, I just want to watch some more free basketball. And hang out with the Texas cheer squad. We all can dream.

– Brent Blum is a junior in journalism and mass communication from Urbandale.