Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders vs Iowa State Cyclones: Game preview and prediction

Iowa State (1-0) eventually ran away with the victory in their season opener thanks for Naz Long and Georges Niang getting hot behind the arc. Before their major non-conference test against Michigan, they’ll have another tune-up against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (1-0).

Feb 2, 2013; Ames IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Georges Niang (31) defends the basketball against Baylor Bears center Isaiah Austin (21) in the second half at Hilton Coliseum. Iowa State beat Baylor 79-71. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islands vs Iowa State Cyclones

Hilton Coliseum | Ames, IA
Tipoff – 7:00 PM CT | TV – Cyclones.TV/Mediacom

Who are the Islanders?

Texas A&M-CC is a part of the Southland Conference and has been a Division I school since 1999. They are famously known for their first-round game against second-seeded Wisconsin back in the 2007 NCAA Tournament. They ran out to a huge 25-7 lead over the Badgers before ultimately losing 76-63. That’s been their only tournament appearance.

What to watch for

The Islanders’ only notable return is junior guard Johnathan Jordan, who averaged 12.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.8 turnovers in an average of 36.6 minutes per game. He had 21 points, six assists, four turnovers, and three steals in their opener against Huston-Tillotson (yes, that is the correct spelling).

Zane Knowles was another notable that had 12 points and 18 rebounds in the 90-42 blowout. His rebounds were both a career high and second-highest total in Islanders history.

Unfortunately they don’t have their returning points (13.6 per game) and rebounds (7.5 per game) leader from last year, a forward by the great name of William Nelson.

Prediction

They’ve shown more of a pulse than UNC-Wilmington this season, but they currently sit at 316th overall in TeamRankings’ power rankings. Iowa State should have no problem rolling to their 15th straight non-confernce win at home.

IAST 91, TAMCC 56