21 games won this season. 13,393 fans packed into Hilton Coliseum. One of only four teams nationally averaging 80 points or more per game. The Iowa State Men’s Basketball team is taking the court and Big 12 Conference by storm, with a little help from something fans call, Hilton Magic. Here are the top 5 things that make Hilton Coliseum such a magical place:

1. Cyclone Alley. You wait outside in the frozen tundra, surrounded by countless strangers, waiting for the doors of Hilton to open. The roar of the crowd when the team takes the court, the sounds of the Iowa State fight song coming from the band, and the shouts of Cyclone Power coming from the stands create an indescribable atmosphere.

2. Fred Hoiberg. The man. The myth. The legend. How many college towns can claim that their basketball coach is named the Mayor? Not only is Hoiberg a pizza delivery man for his loyal fans, he’s also a part of our very own Greek community, reppin’ PIKE back in his day. And on top of all of that, who can resist that dimple?

3. Clone Cones. While you’re cheering on the Cyclones, sufficient energy is a must. The colossal Red and Yellow twisted cone is enough to satisfy your sweet tooth and give you the energy to cheer the Cyclones to a victory.

 4. That one guy with the flag. The second half of the game begins, the fight song is played, and that one guy with the flag takes off in a dead sprint around Hilton, proudly displaying the Iowa State flag. How can he run that fast? Hilton Magic.

5. Sweet Caroline. As Niang sinks one final dunk, and the student section erupts into complete pandemonium, the sweet sounds of Sweet Caroline fill the air. All 13,000 fans are on their feet, singing along, celebrating a victory for Cyclone Nation.

So what really is Hilton Magic? Is it the feeling you get when you hear the roar of the crowd? Is it the fact that even when the Cyclones are down, the crowd still rises up? We may not be able to say for certain, but one thing’s for sure, it’s *cue Sweet Caroline* So good, so good, so good.