Last Time Out
It wasn’t pretty but Iowa State was able to close out Arkansas Pine Bluff in the second half, coming away with a 80 - 63 victory. Prohm rolled out any possible combination and tried to give all the big name guys at least some sort of run to figure out what he has this season. Below is the box score from Sunday afternoon.
About South Dakota State
Iowa State and South Dakota State will play for the seventh time, but just second time as division I programs. Iowa State is 46-6 against Summit League teams all time. Currently on a 13 game win streak against the conference. Unfortunately for Iowa State, this isn’t some ordinary Summit League team. This is a sound basketball team that has proven already this season they can play at a high level.
South Dakota State is 1-2 on the season with losses to West Virginia and Saint Mary’s. Both games were close and South Dakota State had their chances to take over in each one. So far this season the Jackrabbits are averaging 71 points a game and giving up 70 a game on the defensive end of the floor.
According to KenPom, South Dakota State has one of the most efficient offenses in the country. Currently sitting at 40th in the country and to add on, they are shooting over 41% from three point range and 47% from inside the arc. They will get their open shots and knock them down if you aren’t ready for it, it will be a long day. It will be a big time early test for this Iowa State team that just hasn’t had the time to gel.
Player To Watch
The sophomore Noah Freidel may have taken over this Jackrabbit team against Saint Mary’s. The Guard is coming off a 22 point performance and has scored in double digits in every game so far this season. This year he is shooting 38% from three point range, similar to his numbers a season ago. Iowa State is going to have to find a way to take one of their shooters and not allow them to get their shots. Freidel may be the one to stop, it can only help their efforts.
What Will Happen
This is a tough one for me to gauge. South Dakota State has been a very good basketball team over the last few years. They look to be ready to compete for another Summit League title this season. Right know KenPom has this marked down as a four point victory for Iowa State. I don’t think I am willing to be that nice just yet. I think South Dakota State has had more to learn from and has been tested this season already. Iowa State is still trying to figure out rotations and what they really have. If Iowa State gets hot from beyond the arc maybe my mind changed but if the Clones look anything like they did on Sunday it wont be good. Give me the Jackrabbits right now, would be pleasantly surprised with a Cyclone victory.
South Dakota State - 76
Iowa State - 72
Pick Three
1- Iowa State shoots below 30% from thee point land
2- The freshman once again outshine the rest of the team
3- Conditt records three blocks
Game Notes
WED., DEC. 2, 2020 / 6 P.M.
Hilton Coliseum / Ames, Iowa
ESPN+ Brent Blum, pxp Lyndsey Fennelly, analyst