Iowa State’s defense has been the driving force behind an incredible turnaround from a 2-22 record a year ago. The 16-5 Cyclones are the 6th best defensive team in the country, according to KenPom, and boast the 3rd highest Turnover % in the country. Normally the more physical and aggressive team, Iowa State met their match against the Jayhawks, at least according to Iowa State coach TJ Otzelberger.
“We weren’t as aggressive guarding the ball as we normally are,” TJ Otzelberger said. “They shot 56% on our court. We’ve always got to be the aggressor for our team to be the team that we can be, and for us to be successful.