Maryland vs. Iowa State men’s basketball: Five players to watch

It is a quick turnaround for Iowa State as they take on the Maryland Terrapins Tuesday night for the CBE Tournament Championship in Kansas City. Let’s look at the players to watch for each team.

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Maryland is lead by senior guard Dez Wells, who averages 17.7 points per game. Against Arizona State Monday night, he contributed 14 points to help the team top Arizona State. As the primary wing man for the team, he will largely be guarded by Bryce Dejean-Jones and the other Iowa State wing players.

Next is Melo Trimble. He only averages 10.3 ppg, but he exploded for 31 against ASU to lead the team in scoring. He looks to be the primary ball handler for the Terrapins, so Monte Morris could have his hands full if Trimble decides to shoot lights out again.

Finally, look for Jake Layman to make a difference. He is currently Maryland’s second leading scorer, averaging 14.0 ppg as well as 5.7 rpg. He stands at 6-foot-8, so he should be relatively easy for Georges Niang and Dustin Hogue to handle.

Nov 24, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard/forward Jake Layman (10) shoots a layup as Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) tries to block during the first half at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Here is the thing about Maryland that people should know ahead of time — they look like a very isolation-heavy team that doesn’t have a showstopper on offense. Nobody averages more than 3 assists per contest or more than 26.5 minutes. Given the lack of a standout, I’m not really sure what to expect beyond a regression to the season average for Trimble.

For Iowa State, look out again for Dustin Hogue. He is putting up 15.0 ppg and 5.5 rpg. He has developed a pretty awesome up-and-under move down low that is frustrating shot blockers and looks like he wants to remain a starter even when Jameel McKay becomes eligible.

Also, keep an eye on Monte Morris. He had great distribution against Alabama dishing 12 assists without a turnover, but didn’t score a point for the first time this season. His defense and passing will be critical against a Maryland squad that looks to be mostly guard-dominated.

Keep your eyes peeled for more ISU-Maryland news before Tuesday’s tipoff at 8:30 Central time.