Iowa State is back home at Hilton today as Kansas State is in town to take on Iowa State. The Cyclones are coming off a tough loss down in Waco this past week and are looking to get back on track.
Last Time Out
Iowa State dropped a tough one in Waco, 73-70. Iowa State started off pretty strong, but struggled for a stretch after Cameron Lard left the game with an ankle injury. Then, Baylor made their move. Fueled by Devonte Bandoo, Baylor closed the first half on a 22-7 run to give them an eight point lead at half.
Iowa State looked a lot better at the beginning of the second half, quickly tying the game, led by a resurgent Marial Shayok.
Iowa State and Baylor traded field goals and free throws late in the game until Nick Weiler-Babb’s last-second heave was no good.
Marial Shayok led the team in scoring with 19. Michael Jacobson and Lindell Wigginton were the only other Cyclones in double figures, both ending the game with 11.
About Kansas State
Kansas State snapped their 2-game losing streak and improved to 11-4 (1-2 Big 12) on the season after defeating the West Virginia Mountaineers, 71-69, this past Wednesday. The Wildcats trailed by a 36-21 at halftime, however, they were outstanding offensively in the 2nd half and took the lead for good on a Barry Brown layup with 28.9 seconds left in regulation. Kansas State shot 47.2% from the field and won the turnover battle by a 17-6 margin in the victory.
On the season, Kansas State is averaging 65.6 per game on 42.3% shooting from the field. The Wildcats are averaging 6.1 three-pointers per game on 31.0% shooting from beyond the arc. Defensively, they’re holding their opponents to an average of 59.5 per game on 40.1% shooting from the field, and out-rebound their opponents by 3.5 per game.
Opponent Player To Watch
Rumor has it that Dean Wade will be making his return to the court against Iowa State on Saturday, to nobody’s surprise. Though, without confirmation, I will not go with him this time around. Even with Dean Wade around, Barry Brown Jr. has been the Wildcats’ best player this season, leading the team in minutes and scoring. Against West Virginia, Brown went crazy and was a huge part in the comeback win against the Mountaineers, scoring 29 points while racking up 6 steals on the night. If Dean Wade is back for the Wildcats, who knows how effective he will be in his first game back. If Iowa State is going to win this game, they can not allow Barry Brown Jr. to go for anywhere near 29 points.
What Will Happen
Kansas State has one of the better defenses in the country, ranking 6th in scoring defense. However, their offense can really struggle to put up points, as they rank T-325th in scoring offense & 279th in FG% in the country. The Cyclones have been solid on both ends of the court this season as they rank 42nd in scoring offense are tied at 40th in scoring defense.
I think Iowa State is the more talented team right now, and the Cyclones have one of the best home court advantages in the country. Even with Kansas State being solid on the defensive end of the court, I think the home team will prevail in this one.
Iowa State is favored by 10 points as write this. I think they cover and we erase the bad memories of Baylor.
Iowa State-81 Kansas State-70
Pick Three
1-Tyrese Haliburton is actually in the game during clutch moments
2- Cameron Lard does not play, Dean Wade makes an appearance
3- Marial Shayok hits 4 three pointers
Game Notes
The Matchup: Iowa State (12-3, 2-1 Big 12) vs. Kansas State (11-4, 1-2 Big 12)
Where: Ames, Iowa - Hilton Coliseum (14,384)
When: Saturday, Jan. 12, 11 a.m. (CST)
Radio: Cyclone Radio Network/TuneIn Radio Talent: John Walters (PxP), Eric Heft (Analyst)
TV: ESPN2 Talent: Chuckie Kempf (PxP), Robbie Hummel (Analyst)
Webcast: WatchESPN
Sirius/XM/Internet: 94/199/953 (internet)
Live Stats: Cyclonestats.com