Last Time Out

Texas Tech 87, Iowa State 57. In Hilton.

About TCU

Iowa State almost took these guys out in January. Back when there was hope for Big 12 play. But that was pre-Haliburton injury. And Tyrese Haliburton was awesome in that game. TCU looked like they would be an NCAA tournament contender until mid-January, when they lost 8 of 9 games. Last time out, they beat West Virginia in Fort Worth, so they still have the ability to beat good teams. These guys have really struggled on the road, losing by large margins to everyone in conference play besides Kansas State. Despite the high scoring first game, the Frogs will do everything they can to play slow and deliberate. Kenpom has TCU ranked 327th in the country in tempo.

Player To Watch

Desmond Bane is far and away TCU’s best player. He leads the Frogs with 15.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while shooting 41% from 3. He also leads them in assists with just under 4 per game. Kevin Samuel will be the other guy to watch for as their best post player. Those 2 combined for 32 points and 17 rebounds in the first matchup. RJ Nembhard had 31 points in game 1 and was 6-8 from 3, but the way this season has gone, anyone could show up and make 5 3s.

What Will Happen

This game won’t be for fans of aesthetically pleasing basketball. TCU struggles to score and plays really good defense. We got ahead of ourselves with expectations for the rest of the year after beating Texas. The Cyclones haven’t played more than 20 minutes of good basketball at a time since, and unfortunately the players seem checked out for the year. Still, this is a chance for Iowa State fans to rally behind a beleaguered team and coach. I just don’t see them playing well enough to come away with a win.

Iowa State - 65

TCU - 70

Pick Three

1. Solomon Young has a double-double.

2. Prentiss Nixon leads the team in scoring.

3. Steve Prohm’s hair goes gray by halftime.

Game Notes

The Matchup: Iowa State (11-16, 4-10 Big 12) vs. TCU (15-12, 6-8 Big 12)

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

When: Tuesday, February 25th, 6:00pm (CST)

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

TV: ESPNU

Webcast: WatchESPN

Gambling Lines: Iowa State -2, O/U 138.5

Live Stats: Cyclonestats.com