Iowa State Men’s Basketball: Texas Tech Preview
By Brian Spaen
Jan 23, 2013; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Dejan Kravic (11) takes a shot against Iowa State Cyclones center Percy Gibson (24) in the first half at the United Spirit Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Iowa State Cyclones
Hilton Coliseum | Ames, Iowa
Time – 12:45 PM CT | TV – Big 12 Network
There’s much more at stake in this game than just looking at the matchups. Outside of being favored by their largest margin in Big 12 play, the Iowa State men’s basketball team will try and extend their home winning streak to 22 games against Texas Tech.
It’s the fifth sellout of the season at Hilton Coliseum; all four others came in the previous Big 12 Saturday matchups in the arena. Yes, that includes the TCU game just a week ago.
With 14,356 people yelling at Hilton early Saturday afternoon, it should provide a dramatic shift in the dead atmosphere that was both teams’ previous meeting at a half-packed United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas.
Let’s just hope the Iowa State offense isn’t half-productive this time around. Outside of Will Clyburn’s double-double of 12 points, 10 rebounds, along with hitting all three free throws, the Cyclones were absolutely embarrassing in a 56-51 upset against Texas Tech.
If there’s anyone to watch out for on the Red Raiders, it’s Jaye Crockett. He leads the team with 12.3 points per game with an efficient 51.2 field goal percentage. He also ranks sixth in the Big 12 in rebounding with seven boards a game. He’ll have his hands full with Clyburn and Melvin Ejim currently both ranked in the top five.
Jan 23, 2013; Lubbock, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Tyrus McGee (25) attempts a rebound against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Jordan Tolbert (32) guard Dusty Hannahs (2) and guard Toddrick Gotcher (20) in the second half at the United Spirit Arena. Texas Tech defeated Iowa State 56-51. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction
This should be a blowout. The crowd will be ready and loud even in the early afternoon, and the team simply can’t overlook this game after losing to them late last month. Iowa State averages 79.3 points per game, highest in the Big 12 by over four points in top 10 nationally. Texas Tech gives up 71.8 points per game; that’s more than three points worse than the second worst team in the Big 12 (which are the Cyclones).
The Red Raiders also rank last in 3-point field goal percentage defense with 38.1 percent and are only better than TCU at rebounding. Iowa State edged TCU in rebounding 41-27 a week ago.
Give me a comfortable win heading into the huge game with Kansas in two days.
Cyclones 81, Red Raiders 63
Brian Spaen is the lead editor of Clones Confidential. Get more Cyclones coverage by following us on Twitter and Facebook.