The Iowa State Men’s Basketball team will have one more final tune-up before heading to the Bahamas to take on Michigan in the Battle 4 Atlantis. Southern Miss is in town this evening to give Iowa State a run as part of the on-campus first round of the tournament. How will the Cyclones look after being off a week and continuing to tinker with some of their flaws?

Last Time Out

The Cyclones defeated Northern Illinois 70-52. Iowa State got off to a slow start in this one, but eventually found their footing in the second half. Iowa State shot poorly from behind the arc as questions about their shooting continue to linger around. Rasir Bolton was the leading Cyclone scorer on the night with 17, proving to Cyclone fans why Steve Prohm worked so hard to advocate for his immediate eligibility. Solomon Young was the only other Cyclone player in double figures with 15.

About Southern Mississippi

Southern Mississippi is in their first season under new head coach Jay Ladner. The Golden Eagles returned only four players who saw significant action last season, and have struggled so far this season, with their only win coming over Delta State. Woof. KenPom rates the Golden Eagles as the 221st team in the country.

Southern Miss’ adjusted offensive efficiency is in the bottom tier of all division one teams at 235th, though they try to make up for it on the defensive end of the floor, which may be a carry over from the Doc Sadler years. They also tend to give up a ton of three point attempts, which against this Iowa State team may not be such a terrible thing.

Iowa State is 3-0 all-time against Southern Miss, including 1-0 at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones beat Southern Miss, 69-67, in the last meeting between the schools in 2000.

Opponent Player To Watch

Boban Jacdonmi, one of the returning players for Southern Mississippi has stepped up this season so far. The senior is leading the team averaging 19 points per game, including a 29 point game in their win over Delta State. Solomon Young or Micheal Jacobson will draw this assignment.

What Will Happen

Iowa State should win this game fairly easily, but as we have seen already this season, they tend to play down to competition, though Northern Illinois is the better team. What I am looking for in this one is for shots to fall, especially from three point range. Iowa State is going to have to start shooting the ball well if they want to have any type of success down in the Bahamas or in Big 12 play. Michigan will not be so forgiving next week, and neither will any conference opponent. Defensively, I don’t see much reason for worry, and the Golden Eagles won’t give Iowa State many fits in that regard. Clones roll.

Iowa State-84

Southern Mississippi-65

Pick Three

1- Rasir Bolton adds another strong performance

2- Tyrese Haliburton tallies 10 assists

3- George Conditt has 4 blocks

Game Notes

The Matchup: Iowa State (2-1, 0-0 Big 12) vs. Southern Miss (1-2, 0-0 C-USA)

Where: Ames, Iowa - Hilton Coliseum (14,384)

When: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m. (CST)

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

TV: Cyclones.tv Talent: John Walters (PxP), Eric Heft (Analyst)

Webcast: Cyclones.tv

Sirius/XM/Internet: NA/NA/977 (internet)

Live Stats: Cyclonestats.com