After three straight games in Hilton, Iowa State is out west in Hawaii for the Maui Invitational. Arizona will be first up for Steve Prohm’s club.

Last Time Out

Iowa State hasn’t played a basketball game in a week. Texas Southern was in town and Iowa State was again playing without some of their best players as Cameron Lard, Zoran Talley continue to be suspended and Lindell Wigginton is out with an injury. It proved to not be a problem at all.

Marial Shayok scored a career-high 26 points, freshman Talen Horton-Tucker added 26 as well as Iowa State took down Texas Southern 85-73. Nick Weiler-Babb added a double-double with 13 points with 13 rebounds.

About Arizona

Unlike most other years, Arizona was not ranked to start the season, and are unranked as of today. The Wildcats are 3-0 on the young season with wins of Houston Baptist, Cal Poly and UTEP. According to Ken Pom, Arizona is the 61st ranked team in the country. They boast a top 60 offense and the 67th ranked defense.

The Wildcats shoot 31% from deep and have a total field goal percentage of 49%. It appears the Wildcats are still trying to find their way after losing some of their top talent to the NBA draft after last season ended.

After three games, Arizona has forced 18 turnovers per contest, along with 7.3 steals per game. The Wildcats have also showed their force guarding the ball. Arizona limits opponents to a field-goal percentage of 34.5.

The Wildcats did reload with a great recruiting class, and many believe once the season ends, the Wildcats will be right there at the end of the season.

Opponent Player To Watch

Brandon Randolph is where I’m going. Randolph has easily been the Wildcats’ most impactful player to start of the season. He spent most of last season as a role player averaging just 3.7 points a game. His patience appears to have paid off. Currently Randolph is the leading scorer for Arizona, averaging over 18 points per game.

What To Expect

This is looking like it will be an interesting game. Both teams are trying to find out exactly what they have before the bulk of their schedules. Iowa State was a slight favorite in early betting lines but has since moved to a pick em’, I think Vegas is confused as I am as how this one will play out. If you are Iowa State this is probably as good as any time to get an Arizona team.

Iowa State will have to play mistake free and not turnover the ball as the Wildcats are living on other teams turning the ball over. Nick Weiler-Babb and Tyrese Haliburton will have to play within the system and not do too much with a depleted team.

Right now I am torn how this thing will turn out. Iowa State is learning and well Arizona can still be Arizona. I am going to choose my heart on this one and take the Cyclones. Nick Weiler-Babb makes a late layup and seals it at the free throw line.

Iowa State- 76 Arizona-72

Pick Three

1- Iowa State shoots below 60% from the free throw line

2- Marial Shayok scores 20+

3- Talen Horton-Tucker throws down a big time dunk

Game Notes

The Matchup: Iowa State (3-0, 0-0 Big 12) vs. Arizona (3-0, 0-0 PAC-12)

Where: Maui, Hawai’i - Lahaina Civic Center (2,400)

When: Monday, Nov. 19, 8 p.m. (CST)/4 p.m. (HST)

Radio: Cyclone Radio Network/TuneIn RadioTalent: John Walters (PxP), Eric Heft (Analyst)

TV: ESPNUTalent: Jason Benetti (PxP), Bill Walton(Analyst)

Webcast: WatchESPN

Sirius/XM/Internet: NA/TBA/TBA (internet)

Live Stats: statbroadcast.com