GameThread: Iowa State vs Akron

Iowa State tips off the semi-final match up against the Akron Zips today at 3:30 PM CST on ESPNU. Yesterday Iowa State held off Georges Mason with a solid, but unspectacular, performance that was good enough to garner a 79-67 victory.

The Cyclones shot just 24% (5-21) from behind the arc but managed to use another 20-point game from Georges Niang and double digit performances from Dustin Hogue, Melvin Ejim, and DeAndre Kane to pull out the victory. Hogue was one rebound short of notching another double-double, but Ejim more than made up for it with his 11 rebounds.

Akron's top three scorers, Demetrius Treadwell, Quincy Diggs, and Nick Harney are all seniors and account for nearly 50% of Akron's production so far this season. Treadwell's size (6'7", 235 pounds) could be an issue on the interior for a team that has yet to play physical on the block this season. Given the emphasis there seems to be on keeping Ejim and Niang out of foul trouble this will be the match up to watch, and if one has to sit early this could be a longer game than most hope for.

Akron comes into the game ranked 66th in Ken Pomeroy's rankings, which is good enough for one spot ahead of Boise State, a potential championship foe should Iowa State win today. Pomeroy's model is predicting a win, but this Akron team is likely going to be unshakable on a neutral floor.

Grab a brew and buckle up for another tense game, and enjoy it right here with us. We sympathize with those of you stuck at work, but remember, no illegal streams of the game. Audio can be found online via Cyclones.TV and the Cyclone Radio Network.