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This game was about D!

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I missed about 95% of this game, but from all accounts it sounded like the Cyclones got off to a slow start in the first half, but picked in up in the second half.

In the preview, I talked about how I thought Saint Louis would be able to keep it close, and ISU would win by 8-10, as it sounded like Saint Louis play pretty good defense.Well, they held ISU to 18 points below their average, and ISU also shot 14% lower than their average as well. ISU was fortunate enough to go 6-15 from beyond the arc, while SLU only hit 1 three pointer. From looking at the few stats available, that is looking to be the difference in this one. If SLU shoots better from 3, or ISU shoots worse from 3, it's a different game.

I think the fact this game was close for so long might catch people off guard, but the data was out there. I think it was a good challenge for the Cyclones, and this was the best team they have faced so far in this young season. Nice to see them respond to a more physical matchup as they hadn't been tested in that regard yet.

The stats are limited at this point, so getting the Four Factors calculated isn't available yet. I would estimate that our eFG% was higher due to shooting well from beyond the arc. I also think that our OR% was a little bit better, TOV% will be slightly lower, and FT% will be higher (mostly due to fouls down the stretch as SLU tried to play catchup). I will check it out later and post more on it if needed.

DG was clearly the best player for the Cyclones tonight. He finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds (4 offensive), 1 steal, 1 assist, on 50% shooting from the floor including 1-1 from beyond the arc.

Notre Dame and Northwestern tip off in a few moments, and ISU will play the winner. Notre Dame is the better team, and would pose a close game. I will post a quick preview of tomorrow's game either late tonight or early tomorrow.