College Basketball Reporter Reveals Potential Reason For Iowa State’s Slow Start vs. Pitt

The Midwest region's 6-seed Iowa State got off to an absolutely abysmal start in their opening round NCAA Tournament game this Friday. 

The Cyclones failed to score a basket until nearly three minutes had passed in the first half, and if you can believe it, things got even worse. About halfway through the first 20 minutes of play, Iowa State trailed 11-seed Pittsburgh 22-2. 

While the Cyclones have crawled back to within striking distance now midway through the second half, one college basketball writer has revealed a potential reason for their sluggish start. 

"Pregame, Pitt was able to warm up as usual, but Iowa State could not get shots up because officials brought out a ladder and a level and worked on the rim for several minutes," The Athletic's Kyle Tucker announced a few minutes into the game. 

"I’m just saying, if the other team got to warm up while my team watched officials do this to our basket pregame … And then the other team hit everything and mine start 0 for 8, as Iowa State has … I’d be real mad," Tucker said. 

Iowa State narrowed Pitt's early 20-point lead to seven at the end of the first half. The Cyclones climbed to within five just moments into the second half, however, the Panthers have since grown their lead back up to double figures. 

With about 10 minutes remaining in the contest, Pitt continues to lead Iowa State 36-26. The winner of Friday's matchup will take on 3-seeded Xavier in the Round of 32 on Sunday.