Last Time Out

Iowa State came out firing on all cylinders. Tre Jackson got off to a crazy hot 4-5 start from three point land, helping Iowa State gain an 18 point advantage, but it would not last. TCU came firing back and got the game tied at 59 with a minute left in the game. Rasir Bolton would seal the game off with some free throws down the stretch and some defense from the unlikely source Caleb Grill put TCU away for good in this one and gave Iowa State the 65-59 victory. Solomon Young led the Cyclones with 20 points and Tre Jackson added 18.

About Oklahoma State

The Cowboys are right behind Iowa State in the Big 12 standings, sitting at 4-11 in the Big 12 and 14-14 overall. They have won 3 of their last 5 games and are playing much better basketball as of late, though their most recent match ended in a loss to Kansas on the road.

Oklahoma State is the 65th-rated team according to KenPom as we close out the regular season. Their adjusted defenses efficiency sits at 57th in the country while the offense continues to lack still. Nothing of note jumps out compared to the last two times these teams faced off. Fun fact: according to KenPom, Gallagher Iba Arena is the 43rd best home court advantage in the nation. The more you know.

Player To Watch

Cameron McGriff has been on a nice little stretch here as of late, averaging 21 points a game over his last three games which is 9 points over his season average. This includes a 28 points outburst in a win over Oklahoma. This sets up a big match up down low in this one against Solomon Young who has also been playing some of his best basketball. In a subpar year for both squads, there is at least an appealing player matchup in this one.

What Will Happen

Believe it or not, if things were to pan out, Iowa State could actually finish fourth in the Big 12 standings. Crazy times we are in right now, but it more than likely isn’t going to happen. Iowa State has shown flashes of playing well without Tyrese Haliburton more so at home than on the road. If they had Tyrese in this one I would feel decent about it. They don’t and add that in with Oklahoma State playing better than earlier in the season this is probably going to be tough sledding for Iowa State. I do think they can cover the 7.5 points spread and keep it close.

Oklahoma State - 72

Iowa State- 68

Pick Three

1- Tre Jackson stays hot

2- Caleb Grill hits two threes

3- Prentiss Nixon airmails three shots

Game Notes

The Matchup: Iowa State (12-16, 5-10 Big 12) vs. Oklahoma State (14-14, 4-11 Big 12)

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

When: Saturday, Feb. 29, 3 p.m. (CST)

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

TV: ESPNUTalent: Clay Matvick (PxP), King McClure (Analyst)

Webcast: WatchESPN

Sirius/XM/Internet: NA/381/971 (internet)

Live Stats: Cyclonestats.com