5 takeaways from Memphis basketball's blowout loss to Iowa State

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — It started sloppy and stayed that way.

Unbeaten no more, Memphis basketball's turnover-prone nature finally caught up to it Friday. Iowa State, which won two games last season, improved to 6-0 with a 78-59 upset over the 10th-ranked Tigers (5-1) in the championship game of the NIT Season Tip-Off at the Barclays Center.

The Tigers – double-digit favorites against Iowa State – came into play as one of the 10 worst teams in the nation in terms of turnover percentage, giving up possession 25.9% of the time. Their ball security woes showed up again versus the Cyclones, whose 13 steals contributed to Memphis’ 22 turnovers. Iowa State committed 15 turnovers.

Visibly frustrated — two technical fouls were assessed against the Tigers — and unable to answer Iowa State’s defense for much of the second half, Memphis watched the Cyclones turn a 6-point advantage into a 13-point lead in just three minutes midway through the second half. The Tigers never recovered.

DeAndre Williams, who put up six points and six rebounds in the loss, was the lone Memphis player named to the all-tournament team.

Here are five takeaways from Friday's game:

Story continues below links and photo gallery.

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Where’s the teamwork?

Following Wednesday's win over Virginia Tech, Memphis coach Penny Hardaway mentioned two areas of concern: turnovers and sharing the ball.

The Tigers’ penchant for giving the ball away is nothing new, but Hardaway was hopeful their 14-turnover showing against the Hokies might be a sign of improvement. Against Iowa State, it wasn’t.

He also identified Memphis’ relatively low assist total (10), hopeful for an improvement. That didn’t happen, either. The Tigers managed a season-low eight assists on 19 made field goals.

Where’s the 3?

It started so well for Memphis beyond the arc this season.

Three games in, the Tigers were hitting on 45.1% of their long-range attempts. Since then, things haven’t been the same.

Memphis entered Friday’s game hitting seven of their last 35 from deep. Against Iowa State, it shot just 35.3%, thanks in large part to Landers Nolley II hitting on three of his five attempts and Emoni Bates connecting on two of three.

No answer for Gabe Kalscheur

Two nights ago, Iowa State’s catalyst was Penn State transfer Izaiah Brockington. He put up 30 in a win over No. 25 Xavier.

He ran into early foul trouble, though, against the Tigers, allowing transfer Gabe Kalscheur to step up. The former Minnesota guard was a menace for the Cyclones offensively and defensively, scoring 30 points to go along with eight rebounds and five steals.

Emoni Bates still fighting it

Bates has not been the same dynamic player he was early on.

Coming off back-to-back 2-of-10 performances from the field, the heralded freshman had another tough showing against the Cyclones. He connected on 5 of 11 field goal attempts for a team-high 12 points, although seven of them came in the final four minutes with Iowa State up by more than 20.

Iowa State statistical wins

The Cyclones won the rebounding battle, 42-34.

They outscored Memphis 28-16 in the paint, 23-19 off turnovers, and 10-8 in second-chance points.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball: 5 takeaways from Tigers' loss to Iowa State