A busy day for Cyclone athletics kicks off this afternoon when Iowa State takes on Oregon State in Corvallis. This will be an early season road test for Steve Prohm’s squad and it is against a potential NCAA Tournament darkhorse. Both teams will be looking to add this one to their resume for March.

Last Time Out

Iowa State opened the new season with a 110-74 win over Mississippi Valley State. Michael Jacobson led the way for Iowa State finishing with a game-high 20 points. The Cyclone defense was the star of the night. Forcing a ton of turnovers and scoring 35 points off those turnovers during the contest. Seven Cyclones scored in double figures, Zion Griffin scored a career-high 11 points along with six rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton had a near triple-double, collecting 12 points, seven rebounds and 14 assists. Transfer Rasir Bolton added 9 points during his debut and Prentiss Nixon added 16 points along with five rebounds.

About Oregon State

Oregon State is no longer a pushover in the Pac 12, and this season they are looking to make more moves towards the top of the conference. The Beavers finished 18-13 overall last year, ending up in a three-way tie for fourth place in the league at 10-8. Most believe that the Beavers will push for an NCAA Tournament spot. Oregon State ended last season with a KenPom ranking of 81st in the country.

By all means this Oregon State team is a top 100 team right now according to KenPom. They also fall in the top 75 in adjusted offense and defense. Unlike on Tuesday, Iowa State is going to have to be on their toes during this one. Oregon State will play solid defense on the Cyclones, which makes me feel a bit unsettled knowing that Iowa State is going to still be finding their way offensively this early in the season.

Iowa State owns a 2-0 edge in the all-time series against Oregon State, winning games in Corvallis (2007) and Ames (2008) as part of the Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series.

Opponent Player To Watch

When anyone talks about Oregon State basketball right now, they begin with Tres Tinkle. The big time forward led the team in scoring, rebounding, and steals last year, while finding himself on the All-Pac 12 First Team, his second selection to that team. Hinkle also looked at making a jump to the NBA after last season but opted to return to Corvallis. Now Tinkle is regarded as the best player in the Pac 12 and the favorite to win player of the year in the conference. More than likely Michael Jacobson will draw this assignment for a stiff early test for the Cyclone big man. If the Cyclones can keep Tinkle from making plays on his own and limiting his supporting cast, it could make for a long afternoon for the Beavers.

What Will Happen

Shooting is going to be key in this one for Iowa State, as has been the talk for much of the preseason and through the scrimmages.

However, Oregon State is a lengthy team, with their shortest player being 6 foot 5 inches and five of them are 6 foot 10 or taller. Iowa State has struggled against size in the past on the road. Can the Cyclones utilize their two bigs on the floor, Solomon Young, Micheal Jacobson and George Conditt in appropriate fashion this afternoon?

Oregon State may not be a sexy name in the college basketball world right now, but this will be tough game for Iowa State. On the road on the west coast for the second game of the season has me feeling a bit nervous. Then to pile in the previously mentioned shooting issues that still linger and usually shooting is what carries you on the road. Until Iowa State proves to me that they can shoot efficiently, I’m not feeling great about this one. I do think it will be a close one. Give me the Beavers right now but it will be close.

Oregon State - 69

Iowa State - 65

Pick Three

1- Tyrese Haliburton gets close to another triple double

2- Micheal Jacobson leads the team in scoring

3- Iowa State shoots below 35% from the field

Game Notes

The Matchup: Iowa State (1-0, 0-0 Big 12) vs. Oregon State (1-0, 0-0 Pac-12)

Where: Corvallis, Ore. - Gill Coliseum (9,301)

When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 3:30 p.m. (CST)

Radio: Cyclone Radio Network/TuneIn Radio Talent: Chris Williams (PxP), Jacy Holloway (Analyst)

TV: Pac-12 Network Talent: Rich Burk (PxP), Casey Jacobsen (Analyst)

Webcast: None

Sirius/XM/Internet: NA/NA/990 (internet)

Live Stats: Cyclonestats.com