Dance Card: Iowa State, Big XII at-large

Who? The Cyclones of Iowa State.

What? Cyclones are a danger across the Midwest. Cy's been around since the '50s; cardinal is a bit of a pun off the color.

Where? Ames, Iowa, founded as merely a station stop.

When? March 23rd, in Spokane, Washington.

Why? Second in the Big XII, in a year where the committee valued the Big XII.

How? They were an at-large selection.

Surprise? Predicted to finish fifth in the conference, they ended up in second, six games back of Baylor.

RPI: 24

SOS: 46

Record: 23-8 (12-6 Big XII)

Good wins: Illinois in the Bahamas?

Bad losses: At TCU.

Who's running this show? Bill Fennelly, since 1995, who's got a lifetime contract.

Extra, Extra! The Des Moines Register.

Bombs away! Everyone on Iowa State shoots threes, even 6-7 senior center Anna Prins. Junior forward Hailie Christofferson leads the Cyclones in scoring with 15.6 points per game on 52.4% from the field. Senior forward Chelsea Poppens adds 13.1 points and a team high 9.5 rebounds. Sophomore guard Nikki Moody dishes over 7 assists per game.

If Iowa State's threes are falling, they're as dangerous as any team in the country. If not... well, they have to hope that they can get to the line.