Preview: Iowa State Hoops

Photo Attribution: US Presswire

Vitals

Tip: 7:00 PM
Location: Stillwater, OK
TV: Big 12 Network
Online Stream: here
Radio: Cowboy Radio Network
Online radio: here
Announcers: Doug Bell and Bryndon Manzer
Line: Cowboys -7

Records

Cowboys – 13-5 (3-3)
Cyclones – 14-5 (4-2)

Best win

Cowboys – NC State (KenPom: #37)
Cyclones – BYU (KenPom: #40)

Worst loss

Cowboys – Virginia Tech (KenPom: #164)
Cyclones – Texas Tech (!) (KenPom: #240)

KenPom rank

Cowboys – #21
Cyclones – #44

Data nerds

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Adj. efficiency – Points per 100 possessions (adjusted for quality of opponent and site of game).
Adj. tempo – Possessions per game (adjusted for schedule and pace of other team).
Effective FG % – Takes into account extra value of 3s.

Three things to watch

1. Keep ‘Clones away from freebies – When Iowa State’s effective FG% is under 51% they’re just 4-5. When it’s over 51%, they’re undefeated. You know the easiest way to keep that effective FG% down? Keep teams away from the line. It shouldn’t be that hard. given that Iowa State’s ability to get to the line ranks among the worst in the nation. For every 3.3 shots they take one free throw. OSU gets a free throw about ever 2.65 shots by comparison.

2. Everybody together? – What’s been OSU’s most complete game so far? NC State? Gonzaga? It seems like every time Smart goes off Nash starts sulking. Or maybe Nash goes crazy and Forte and Markel can’t throw it in the ocean. If Ford could just get 80% production from everyone this team would be fine.

3. Streaking – Iowa State hasn’t come into GIA and stolen a win since…well…since these were en vogue. I know I say this every game but I really hope the crowd is rocking tonight. Iowa State is a good team and as we’ve seen so far Big 12 road wins come a a premium (teams not coached by Bill Self are 8-20 on the road thus far). Pokes need to hold serve tonight.

Prediction

KyPort: Cowboys 78-70
KenPom: Cowboys 72-65