Iowa State Men’s Basketball: Keys to the Game Against Texas Tech

Jan 23, 2013; Lubbock, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Tyrus McGee (25) goes to the hoop against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Dejan Kravic (11) in the second half at the United Spirit Arena. Texas Tech defeated Iowa State 56-51. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Iowa State Cyclones host the Texas Tech Red Raiders Saturday afternoon with tipoff at 12:45 PM CT. Here are the keys to victory to keep ISU’s home winning streak going and what the anticipated starting lineups are for both teams.

Here is the full preview for the game.

• Learn from the past and don’t take Texas Tech for granted. When Iowa State last played this team, they put out their worst effort the entire season with a season-low 51 point total. The Cyclones average 79.3 points per game; the Red Raiders give up 71.8 points per game. It’s pretty simple, but don’t force shots and take everything that’s available.
• Control the rebounding, especially on the offensive end. There were only three offensive rebounds in the previous meeting for ISU. The Cyclones are +5 better on their rebounding margin, they need to do much better on the glass and control the tempo.
• Drill the 3-point shots. Texas Tech’s 3-point field goal percentage on defense (.381) is 329th in the nation and they have given up 49 percent shooting in their last three games. Iowa State must take advantage.

Projected Starting Lineups

Lineups based on athletic website game notes.

Iowa State Cyclones

• Georges Niang (31, F, Fr) – 11.6 pts, 4.8 reb
• Melvin Ejim (3, F, Jr) – 11 pts, 9.5 reb
• Will Clyburn (21, G, Sr) – 14.8 pts, 7.3 reb
• Korie Lucious (13, G, Sr) – 9.8 pts, 5.8 ast
• Chris Babb (2, G, Sr) – 9.3 pts, 3.1 reb

Texas Tech Red Raiders

• Dusty Hannahs (2, G, Fr) – Averaged 11.7 points last three games.
• Josh Gray (5, G, Fr) – 9.5 pts, 3.3 ast
• Dejan Kravic (11, F, Jr) – 8.7 pts, 5.1 reb
• Jamal Williams Jr. (23, G, Jr) – Had 11 pts and four rebounds against West Virginia.
• Jordan Tolbert (32, F, So) – 9.3 pts, 5.6 reb

Here is the affiliate list for networks showing the game. It will be televised locally on WOI-TV.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor of Clones Confidential. Get more Cyclones coverage by following us on Twitter and Facebook.