Screams of agony were heard in the Media Center and cell phones sceretly sent the news around school: the Iowa State Cyclones were upset by the University of Alabama Birmingham Blazers in the opening round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

The Iowa State faithful here at Cotter reacted like anyone else would if unfortunate circumstances befell  their favorite team.

“The refs were not the best, and we couldn’t hit threes.  I guess you got to live by the three and die by the three,” stated an upset Thomas Row.

The Cyclones were the 3rd seed in the South region, while the Blazers were the heavy underdog 14th seed.  This upset is the first of this year’s tournament and one to be remembered for sure.  The nail biting final score was 60-59, but could have swung into Iowa State’s favor, if junior guard Naz Long, would have made a fairly open three point shot as the clock wound down.

One possible reason why Iowa State lost, might have been because their star player, Georges Niang, had a rough outing.  Niang was 4-15 shooting with 11 points, 3 turnovers, and 4 personal fouls.

Row later stated, “That was the worst that I’ve seen Niang played all year.”

“Georges Niang played horrible, and that is why we lost,” stated an angered Cora Arnold, Cotter senior and, perhaps, future Cyclone.

Looking back at the Iowa State season though, a record of 25-9 with a Big 12 title, is not anything to pout about.

As far as moving on goes, all Iowa State can hope is that UAB does not lose right away and that next year results in another tournament bid.

His honor, Fred “the mayor” Hoiberg could not be reached for comment.