LaRon Dendy News

No more excuses for Iowa State. This is when the season really starts. During the next 10 games, the Cyclones will find out whether they're real players or pretenders this season.

Ames, Ia. - Iowa State fans have circled this winter as the season it all comes together, which is something of a double-edged sword for coach Greg McDermott.

Patrick Christopher had 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Jerome Randle added 18 points as California defeated Iowa State 82-63 on Saturday night.

As de facto state championships go, it lived up to the billing, didn't it? Three lead changes in the last five minutes.

AMES, Iowa -- For perhaps the first time since coach Greg McDermott left Northern Iowa for Iowa State, the teams will face each other while for the first time sharing realistic NCAA tournament aspirations.

Kirk Hinrich committed to Iowa State as a junior at Sioux City West, then reopened his recruitment when Tim Floyd left for the Chicago Bulls in the summer of 1998.

WHO: Chicago State at Iowa State WHERE: Hilton Coliseum TIPOFF: 6 p.m. TICKETS: $10, $16 TV/RADIO: No TV.

Iowa State started its men's basketball season off on the right note with wins over Idaho State and Chicago State this past weekend.

Iowa State forward LaRon Dendy will miss at least the next four games after spraining his right knee in practice Saturday.

Ames, Ia. - They're like a track team, this Iowa State men's basketball outfit that Greg McDermott coaches.

Craig Brackins led four players in double figures with 17 points and Iowa State pounded Idaho State 88-68 in the season opener for both teams Friday night.

GASTONIA The 2009-10 college basketball is upon us and two former local standouts open their seasons Friday night in the preseason women's NIT.

Ames, Ia. - He dunked a put-back. He swished a long 3-point shot. His lob pass from just inside of half-court set up a dunk.