Cyclones heading back to NCAA Tournament - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

For the second straight year Iowa State is dancing. Fred Hoiberg and the Cyclones are seeded 10th in the West Region, and will face 7th seeded Notre Dame on Friday, March 22.

Hoiberg is the fourth coach is ISU history to make back-to-back tourney appearances.

Last year in the NCAA Tournament, the Cyclones defeated Connecticut in the second round, before falling to the eventual national champions from Kentucky.

This year, there was some nervousness, as ISU was one of the last teams to find out they received a berth.

"I was very thankful that we made it.  I thought we had done enough over the course of the year to deserve a berth, but you do get a little nervous," Head Coach Fred Hoiberg said.  "I saw one writer had us as a 98 percent lock, but you never know what's he know with that lost two percent.  So, to get this berth is awesome. We're excited about the opportunity."

"You know it was a little nerve-racking," Melvin Ejim added. "But, its great once you see your name up there to know that you're on there and you have chance to play on the biggest stage and do something great."

The Irish and Cyclones will tip off a 8:45 central time.