PROHMBALL XV: Iowa State vs. Baylor

Game Info

The Opponent: Baylor Bears (11-3, 1-1)

Tip: Saturday, 2 p.m. CST - Hilton Coliseum - Ames, Iowa

TV/Webcast: ESPN2 (John Sciambi, PxP; Fran Fraschilla, Color) / WatchESPN

Radio: Cyclone Radio Network (John Walters, PxP; Eric Heft, Color)

Baylor SB Nation Site: Our Daily Bears

What to Know

Recap: Guns Down, Clones Win Against Texas Tech - After dropping their conference opener against Oklahoma, the Cyclones defeated Texas Tech to pull back even in Big 12 play at 1-1.

We're Talking Baylor - Baylor tends to play much worse on the road than they do at home (lost all three of their road games, including a 19 point loss at Texas A&M and a 28 point loss at Kansas).

Baylor-Iowa St. Preview - The Bears are a fantastic rebounding team, much thanks to the services of Rico Gathers.

Prediction

As many of you remember, Baylor was the only team that was able to come away with a victory in Hilton Coliseum last year, beating Iowa State 79-70 behind a blazing-hot 14-26 performance from long range (53.8%). This year, the Bears return their main core of players, with the offense centering around Gathers and Taurean Prince.

Obviously, not allowing Baylor to get hot from 3-point range this year will be key to avoiding another letdown at home for ISU. Alternatively, if the Cyclones can shoot well against Scott Drew's trademark 2-3 zone defense, it'll go a long way toward a victory today. In last year's loss to the Bears at home, Iowa State shot a poor 25% from beyond the arc (6-24), which contributed to the disappointing outcome.

I can see today's game being one where the Cyclones come out focused and play a good game against a quality opponent. Especially considering the loss in Hilton from last year will be on their minds.

Give me ISU winning by a comfortable margin.

Iowa State 88 - Baylor 78