Iowa State's win against Baylor was a result of their spirited play and defensive intensity, which coach Otzelberger had sought after Caleb Grill's dismissal. Despite facing a formidable opponent, the Cyclones limited Baylor's shooting percentage to 35.8% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc.

Utilizing all 11 players on their bench, each Cyclone made significant contributions, including walk-on Conrad Hawley, known as the team's Chief Energy Officer. Jaren Holmes scored a team-high 16 points, Gabe Kalscheur made crucial shots during a decisive 11-0 run, and Tre King dominated the painted area with 12 points and seven rebounds.

Iowa State's interior passing, led by King, Robert Jones, and Demarion Watson, helped them win the points in the paint battle 36-14. Watson's exceptional performance in just 17 minutes of play showed his potential as an elite-level defender and an excellent passer.

Despite the odds stacked against them, the Cyclones responded to the challenge and showed grit and determination throughout the game, leading for over 35 minutes. Their ability to share the ball resulted in a 73% assist rate, leading to efficient shots and a 54.2% field goal percentage.

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