Bruce Weber called the opening of Big 12 play “scary.” Starting league play on the road in Hilton Coliseum, with a starting lineup of three freshmen, one sophomore and a lone senior will give any coach reason for concern. But the Wildcats played to their strengths to build a double-digit lead Tuesday night, then displayed enough poise late to preserve a 74-65 road victory over Iowa State to begin conference play.
The game was even early on, with Iowa State holding a 14-13 lead at the 13:48 mark of the first half. But the Wildcats would get two three-point baskets from Carlton Linguard Jr.