Iowa State vs Texas Tech men’s basketball: Three players to watch

On paper, Iowa State has a strong advantage in the backcourt while staying with Texas Tech’s advantage in the frontcourt. But that didn’t matter in a slow-paced game in Lubbock that cost the Cyclones their worst loss a season ago.

Dec 2, 2013; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Dustin Hogue (22) drives the lane against the Auburn Tigers at James H. Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones beat the Tigers 99-70. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Offensively, there’s not enough that the Red Raiders have to keep up with the Cyclones. That’s why we’ll take a look at the frontcourt for both teams, including an emerging player for TTU.

Quick Stats:

• Iowa State is 12-0 with an SOS ranking of 63 while Texas Tech is 8-5 with an SOS ranking of 213.
• Iowa State is 3-0 against the RPI Top 50 while Texas Tech is 0-3.
• Iowa State averages 6.9 more assists and 7.3 more rebounds per game.

Jordan Tolbert (#32, junior forward)

Tolbert frustrated Ejim and was one of the factors in Iowa State’s surprising loss at Texas Tech last year. This year, he’s averaging 12.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He’s the best player on the team when it comes to field goal shooting, firing at a 61.3 percent rate, and also leads the team in rebounding (88).

Dustin Hogue (#22, junior forward)

The standout transfer didn’t play much in the blowout over Northern Illinois and finished with 11 points and a season-low five rebounds. However, Hogue has now scored double-digit points in seven straight games.

Dejan Kravic (#11, sophomore forward)

Kravic is getting some serious playing time off the bench. He picked up his game against their tougher opponents. Despite the Red Raiders losing to LSU and Arizona State, the sophomore had double-digit rebounds in each, had 20 total points, and turned it over just once.