Before a late February game back in 1989, Iowa State fans flocked to the Hilton Coliseum praying for a miracle victory over the then-No. 3 Missouri Tigers. For the next two hours, Cyclone fans enchanted their players and pestered opposing players as Iowa State brought home the 82-75 victory.
Writer Buck Turnbull declared a presence there he deemed “Hilton Magic.” A gift from the basketball gods brought on from faithful fans. He wanted more in the upcoming game versus Oklahoma State, who had destroyed them earlier the month by 28 points.
The “Hilton Magic” proved its powers once more with a 90-81 win over the Cowboys.
The powers extend off the court as well.
Twenty years later, the magic showed up once more when Craig Brackins decided to return to a team stuck in the Big 12 basement giving up a likely lottery selection in the NBA draft.
This past season the Cyclones finished 15-17 and 4-12 in conference play. They showed some life at home with 13 of the 15 wins in Ames, Iowa including all of their conference wins.
Not only that, but Brackins “welcome to” moment came at home when he dropped 42 on Kansas and pulled down 14 rebounds in an 82-67 loss.
If only they could play all their games at home. As a team, they averaged 60 points on the road and 65 at home.
But the main difference is on defense. Opponents averaged 64 points at Hilton Coliseum, but the Cyclone defense gave up 73 points per game on the road.
But that is some what understandable with three sophomores in their starting five last year. Next years team will likely have three juniors and at least one senior starting giving the team much need experience.
They bring in a lot of scoring and athleticism with Chicago-bred guard Chris Colvin fresh off a AAAA state title. Chris chose Iowa State over Kentucky, Florida State, and in-state power Illinois.
The Cyclones also welcome Antwon Oliver, who is an athletic tweener at 6'5". He is a very good defender and a great rebounder for his size and will add depth to the team and bring energy off the bench.
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