Iowa State vs. Kansas, A Big 12 Battle for Supremacy
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Kansas Jayhawks: Big 12 Showdown Preview
In one of the most anticipated games of the college basketball season, the #3 Iowa State Cyclones (17-4, 7-3 Big 12) head to Kansas to face the #11 Kansas Jayhawks (15-6, 6-4 Big 12) in a highly charged Big 12 battle. This game comes just weeks after Iowa State cruised to a dominant 17-point victory over the Jayhawks at home. However, with both teams looking to gain momentum, this contest promises to have massive implications for the Big 12 standings and NCAA Tournament seeding.
Iowa State Cyclones: Looking to Bounce Back After Shock Loss
The Iowa State Cyclones were riding high earlier in the season, but two consecutive losses have clouded their prospects. Although their road loss to Arizona wasn’t necessarily a blow to their standing, their shocking 80-61 defeat at home to Kansas State was a huge upset. Coming into the game as 14.5-point favorites, Iowa State’s stumble against a team with a losing conference record raised doubts about their current form. The Cyclones will be eager to rebound against a Kansas team eager for revenge.
Despite their recent struggles, Iowa State remains one of the top teams in the nation. The Cyclones are ranked 7th overall by KenPom and boast an efficient offense and defense. Iowa State ranks 17th in offensive efficiency and 6th in defensive efficiency, a testament to their balanced approach. They have five players averaging double figures in scoring, led by the dynamic guard Curtis Jones, who is putting up 17.9 points per game. Jones has been on fire lately, including a 33-point outburst against Arizona State. The Cyclones will also look to Tamin Lipsey, their defensive ace and floor general, who is averaging 10.8 PPG and 3.0 APG.
Iowa State’s defense has been a hallmark of their success, but they will need to find consistency on the offensive end after their last loss. Their ability to compete with a high-scoring team like Kansas could hinge on getting back to their dominant style of play.
Kansas Jayhawks: Seeking Revenge and Stability
The Kansas Jayhawks will head into this game with a chip on their shoulder. After getting overwhelmed by Iowa State earlier this season, the Jayhawks are looking for redemption. Kansas enters the game with a 6-4 record in Big 12 play, struggling to find consistent form. Their recent 81-70 loss to Baylor only added to their woes, and the Jayhawks will need to bounce back in a big way against one of the best teams in the country.
Kansas is led by All-American candidate Hunter Dickinson, who has been a force in the paint all season. Dickinson, a 7’2 center, leads the Jayhawks with 16.4 PPG and 9.7 RPG. His dominance in the post will be crucial if Kansas hopes to exact revenge on Iowa State. Alongside him is guard Zeke Mayo, who has found his stride as Kansas’ top outside shooter, averaging 15.0 PPG and 4.5 RPG. Mayo’s sharp shooting will be vital to opening up space for Dickinson down low.
The Jayhawks also have a veteran leader in point guard Dajuan Harris Jr., who is contributing 9.8 PPG and leading the team in assists with 5.9 per game. Harris’ ability to facilitate offense and make plays will be key in Kansas’ quest for revenge.
Despite their offensive struggles, Kansas remains a formidable team, ranking 10th overall in KenPom’s rankings, with the 34th most efficient offense and the 5th best defense. Their ability to control the tempo and lock down on defense will be essential as they aim to halt Iowa State’s momentum.
Conclusion
This game is shaping up to be a thrilling Big 12 battle. Iowa State’s stingy defense and solid offensive core will clash with Kansas’ potent offense and dominant post play. With Iowa State reeling from back-to-back losses, the Jayhawks could have the upper hand in this matchup. However, Iowa State’s balance and defensive prowess should allow them to weather the storm in a tough road environment.
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