UMKC Kangaroos vs Iowa State Cyclones: Game preview and prediction

It’s the third-ever meeting between Iowa State (4-0) and Missouri-Kansas City (1-3). After back-to-back, hard fought victories against great opponents, the Cyclones will have an easier challenge ahead of them, but they can’t just look ahead at the schedule. This could be a very easy spot for a let-down game.

Nov 20, 2013; Provo, UT, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Georges Niang (31) keeps Brigham Young Cougars forward Eric Mika (00) from the ball during the second half at Marriott Center. Iowa State Cyclones won 90-88. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos vs Iowa State Cyclones

James H. Hilton Coliseum | Ames, Iowa
Tip-off: Monday, 7:00 PM CT | TV: Cyclones.TV (Mediacom)

The Kangaroos started out 0-3 on the season, but have bounced back after defeating Tennessee-Martin last Wednesday. Their defense has been the weakness so far this season, giving up 88 points per game and letting opponents have eight offensive boards per game.

That doesn’t bode well against the Cyclones, who are averaging 43.5 rebounds per game, and nearly eight more than the Kangaroos defensively.

Everything is in place for a blowout, especially since UMKC hasn’t been competitive against Creighton and Nebraska-Omaha this season. The Cyclones have won the previous two meetings, including a 76-61 win at UMKC last season and a 121-82 victory in Ames back in 1979.

What to watch for

If UMKC is going to be competitive in this game, Kangaroo center Fred Chatmon is going to need a big game. In the win over Tennessee-Martin, Chatmon shot 9 of 12 from the field and had 20 points and 12 rebounds. He had eight points and seven rebounds in 32 minutes against Iowa State last season.

Neither Melvin Ejim nor DeAndre Kane are expected to miss any time for the Cyclones, but Fred Hoiberg could have the final say by having them sit for a certain period of time or not start the game. Ejim was reprimanded by the Big 12 for his obscene gesture to BYU fans last Wednesday after getting fouled out, and Kane was ejected after receiving a technical-2 for eye-gouging Eric Mika, something that was unintentional according to the guard.

Prediction

The Kangaroos hung around with Iowa State last season until former Cyclone, Tyrus McGee, started draining 3’s. That ISU team didn’t play great on the road, and it’s a whole different atmosphere inside Hilton Coliseum. Unless the Cyclones come out like they already won it, just playing fundamental basketball without mistakes should result in a blowout victory.

IAST 95, UMKC 61 (No odds available)