Arizona Tops the Iowa State Cyclones in Maui Jim Maui First Round

Arizona has shown the CBB world their ability to compete after a great win over Iowa State, 71-66. The Arizona Wildcats are now at 4-0 for the season and advance to the next round. Iowa State, however, drop their first game of the season to drop to 3-1.

Recap

This was a great competitive game of basketball that I’m sure the bracket creators intended to make with this matchup. Both of these teams are looking for statement wins to move onto the Top-25 board. It all started off in exciting fashion with the lead changing 6 times. Both teams were firing all cylinders and playing tough, gritty basketball. Then around the 5:00 mark in the first half, the Iowa State Cyclones took command of the game. They took this momentum into half and well after. This lead extended for the Cyclones, until 5:11 left in the second half. This is when the Wildcats had surged back to push all they had into a victory. It looked like Iowa State had the advantage when they kept a 2-point lead for some time. Then, Arizona State’s starting lineup had managed to pull off some great fouls and plays to set up for the victory. No matter who came out on top, they will give battles to the respective schools they take on next.

Player of the Game

Out of all the players, for both teams, I think Justin Coleman takes the crown for the game. Coleman had amounted 18 points (7-13 FG and 4-8 3PT), 3 assists, and 1 rebound. Coleman really pushed the final minutes stretch for the Wildcats and helped create momentum plays. Coleman is having quite a senior year for Arizona.

Up Next

Arizona: vs. No. 3 Gonzaga (Maui Jim Maui Semifinal) – 11/20 at 10:00 PM E

Iowa State: vs. Illinois (Compensation Bracket Semifinal) – 11/20 at 4:30 PM ET

Photo Credits: https://cyclonefanatic.com/2018/11/wildcats-rally-in-second-half-to-hand-cyclones-loss-in-maui/ncaa-basketball-iowa-state-at-arizona/