After losing its past two meets with declining scores, the ISU gymnasts rebounded in the form of a 198.100-195.675 loss to No. 1 Oklahoma and 195.775-187.250 victory against Centenary in their return to Hilton Coliseum. 

It seems as though the beloved coliseum truly does bring magic for the Cyclones as they have recorded their three top team scores of the year in their three competitions in Ames. Although the gymnasts are not immaculate at Hilton like Fred Hoiberg’s squad, there is a distinct difference between the team’s average at home, 195.800, and its average on the road, 193.908.

Iowa State displayed a 2.375 improvement in just a week’s time when welcomed back into its home arena. This improvement included a 1.600 enhancement on the balance beam alone, bringing the team’s home average to 49.067 for the event, compared to 48.108 on the road.

Unfortunately for the Cyclones, they will hit the road once again next weekend and will return to Hilton only twice before hosting the NCAA Regional competition in early April.

Despite this obstacle, Iowa State will still look to continue to build on the improvements made this weekend in an attempt to further establish itself in the Big 12 conference and the entire NCAA Division I gymnastics.

The Cyclones will continue their journey in a triangular competition against Northern Illinois and Yale at 7:30 p.m. in Chicago, Ill.

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