To see one of the greatest offensive performances in school history from Dedric Willoughby was truly a tribute to his character and his dedication to being the best in the biggest game.

It’s just too bad his performance will be overlooked because the rest of the Cyclones didn’t rise to the occasion.

And that is what happened. I’m not going to to whine about the refs making bad calls.

I’m not from Lincoln, Neb., and besides, it shows a lack of character along with an obvious disdain for the reality of a past event.

We lost the game because this isn’t the same team as it was last year.

I can’t even explain it, but I have a theory.

Kelvin Cato is playing on a level that is gaining him national attention, Willoughby is shooting better than ever, Bankhead’s defense is unbelievable and his offensive numbers are looking good, while Jacy Holloway is still the most relaxed individual you will ever find.

To top it off, our bench is stronger.

We have solid performers in Paul Shirley, Brad Johnson and Stevie Johnson.

So where are the problems coming from?

Why does Iowa State look so out of sync so often?

We’ll start with Kenny Pratt. I have to admit that I like Pratt’s game.

It’s ugly, but it gets the job done … sometimes.

But Pratt is not gelling with the team.

Why, when Dedric Willoughby is having a career game, does Pratt want to drive into a mountain of Jayhawk in Raef LaFrentz and try to pull that garbage ball?

Twice when the Cyclones desperately needed a bucket in the closing minutes of the game, Pratt destroyed any hopes by cutting his team off and trying to go to the hole himself.

Pratt’s off-the-court conduct has hurt the Cyclones’ image and now his on-the-court conduct has hurt their record and their ranking.

When are the Cyclones going to win a big game? I truly believe that they have the talent to be ranked No. 1 in the NCAA.

The problem may be that the current Cyclone team is still living on victories from last season.

A big problem that I think was obvious to everyone at the game is that the Cyclones are a rather undisciplined team that plays on emotion.

When was Kansas jumping up and down, throwing hands in the air and talking trash?

You never saw it.

Iowa State, on the other hand, was an emotional roller coaster that resulted in 23 turnovers, most of which were made by sloppy play.

Kansas held its emotions and went the game was on the line, it was the more emotionally sound team, hence the victory.

My advice to the ISU basketball team would be to realize that this is a new season and you guys are getting beat.

Not because the other teams are better, but because they are more disciplined on and off the court.

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Chad Calek is a junior in journalism and mass communication from Persia, Iowa. He is the sports editor of the Daily.