Takeaways: Iowa State concludes non-conference schedule against Bucknell
Iowa State freshman Ashley Joens shoots a 3-pointer during the Cyclone versus Razorback game on Dec. 2, 2018 at Hilton Coliseum. Joens and the U.S. team at the U19 FIBA World Cup won their group and now enter tournament play.
December 29, 2018
Saturday, Iowa State took down Bucknell 86-61. With the win, Iowa State concluded its non-conference schedule, and Iowa State’s shooting struggles from three were evident.
Iowa concludes non-conference schedule
With the win over Bucknell, Iowa State finished its non-conference schedule with a record of 10-2.
Prior to the win versus Bucknell, Iowa State was receiving votes in the Coaches and AP Polls, but Iowa State ranks ninth in the RPI.
Iowa State’s only losses have come on the road. The first loss came against South Dakota who is 12-2, ranks 14th in the RPI and is receiving votes in the AP Top 25.
The second loss was a 73-70 loss to Iowa. Iowa ranks 16th in the AP and Coaches Polls and is 12th in the RPI.
Hot and cold shooting
In Iowa State’s last three games, the Cyclones have had struggles with shooting consistency, especially on threes.
Against Bucknell, Iowa State hit 5-10 of their threes in the first half which contributed to their 45-21 lead at half. In the second half, Iowa State shot 1-10 from long range.
In Iowa State’s previous games versus Drake and Prairie View A&M, the trend is still present.
Against Drake, Iowa State was 8-18 or 44.4 percent from three in the first half, but 4-15 or 26.7 percent in the following half.
With Prairie View A&M, the Cyclones shot 4-15 or 26.7 percent in the first half and were 6-15 in the second half which was good for 40 percent from three.
As a team this season, Iowa State is shooting 31.4 percent from three. In the country, Iowa State ranks 152nd in 3-point percentage, but 29th in 3-point attempts per game.
