Vegas Baby, Vegas!

Vegas Baby....VEGAS!!!!!!!! (via mattyodotcom)

For the first time this season, Iowa State leaves the friendly confines of Hilton Coliseum as they'll head out to Las Vegas to play in the Global Sports Classic. The two-day event will pit Iowa State against Cincinnati on Friday night and then either Oregon or UNLV on Saturday evening. This will be the first real challenge Fred Hoiberg's team faces this season and an opportunity to notch a "resume-building" win.

Cincinnati, 4-0

Ranking: #22 AP, #20 Coaches, #19 Kenpom.com

Statistical Leaders: Scoring, G Sean Kilpatrick - 19.5 PPG; Rebounding, F Justin Jackson - 8.0 REB; Assists, F Titus Rubles - 3.5 ASST

The Bearcats are led by their dynamic three-guard backcourt of Sean Kilpatrick, Cashmere Wright and JaQuon Parker. All are averaging double figures in the scoring column and all are shooting 44% or greater from three-point range. Inside, Mick Cronin's team relies on a deep rotation of versatile post players, including 7'1" David Nyarsuk and 6'10" Cheikh Mbodj, who present size and length that the Cyclones just haven't seen yet this year. For more on the Bearcats and the series history, see this preview put together by Cyclones.com.

UNLV, 2-0

Ranking: #18 AP, #18 Coaches, #17 Kenpom.com

Statistical Leaders: Scoring, F Anthony Bennett - 17.0 PPG; Rebounding, F Mike Moser - 10.5 REB; Assists, G Anthony Marshall - 6.0 ASST

The Rebels very well might be the class of this tournament. Many thought that Moser could have been a lottery pick in last June's NBA draft. The 6'8" junior can do a little of everything and with Bennett, the #7 overall recruit in the country running along side, coach Dave Rice has a formidable front court. Anthony Marshall runs the show in the back court but the 6'3" senior prefers to play around the rim and can really cause some trouble with his athleticism and attacking mentality.

Oregon, 4-0

Ranking: Unranked in AP and Coaches polls, #74 Kenpom.com

Statistical Leaders: Scoring, F E.J. Singler - 12.8 PPG; Rebounding, F Arsalan Kazemi - 7.5 REB; Assists, F E.J. Singler - 3.3 ASST

The Ducks are led by Singler, brother of Kyle. The 6'6" senior does it all and when the offense runs through him, Dana Altman's team gets much better production. 6'11" senior Tony Woods is averaging 12.3 PPG and 2.3 blocks a game. The Ducks are beatable on the boards and outside of Singler, aren't much a threat from from deep.

The Schedule

Friday, November 23rd: Iowa State vs. Cincinnati at 5:30 PM CT, Oregon vs. UNLV at 8 PM CT

Saturday, November 24th: Consolation Game at 7:00 PM CT, Championship Game at 9:30 PM CT

Additional Links

ESPN Global Sports Classic Preview