Cyclones Beat VCU in Thrilling Comeback

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY SportsIt surely was not how anyone drew it up, but Iowa State held on in the first round of the ESPN Events Invitational against VCU by final score of 68 to 64.

Virginia Commonwealth let nearly the entire game, racing out in front early and dominating the first half. The Rams were up 33 to 24 at half, as the Cyclones shot under 20% from the floor and struggled with their physicality and length.

Luck seemingly went the way of the Rams as well, as nearly every loose ball out of bounds was awarded to them, several fouls were missed, and several threes hit every part of the hoop before splashing in. VCU, a 28% shooting team from deep, hit 44% in this game, confounding…