NCAA Releases Statement About Iowa State's Pregame Warmup Situation

The Midwest region's No. 6 seed Iowa State fell to No. 11 seed Pitt in the Round of 64 this Friday. 

But despite the lopsided, 59-41 final score, there was plenty of discussion surrounding the matchup this afternoon. Just minutes into the game, The Athletic's Kyle Tucker first broke the news that officials may have prevented Iowa State from adequately warming up during pregame. 

"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," Tucker tweeted as the Cyclones started the game 0-8 from the field and fell down 22-2 to the Panthers.

Perhaps feeling the potential for a brewing controversy, the NCAA released a statement after the game which provided some clarity to the confusing situation. While it appears Tucker was right about Iowa State not receiving as much warmup time as Pitt, the NCAA claims the Cyclones declined additional time to put up shots. 

"Iowa State asked us during pregame warmups to check if the rim was level. Building personnel checked it and made a minor adjustment prior to the game beginning. We offered them additional warmup time but they declined," the NCAA said, according to Pitt basketball writer Jim Hammett. 

Although Iowa State did bring the score within five in the second half, the Cyclones' slow start seemed to be too much to overcome. 

Add in two separate four-minute scoring droughts over the final 20 minutes of action, and Iowa State's five-point deficit quickly ballooned up to 12. 

With their win this Friday afternoon, the 11-seed Pitt Panthers will take on 3-seed Xavier in the Round of 32 on Sunday.