Iowa State vs Oregon State: 2019-20 College basketball game preview, TV schedule
By Joey Loose
Iowa State and Oregon State meet up in an intriguing early-season matchup in Corvallis. Will the Cyclones notch a nice road win or can the Beavers take care of business?
TV schedule: Saturday, November 9, 4:30 pm ET.
Arena: Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, Oregon
Getting their season off to a hot start, Iowa State (1-0) faces their first real test of the season as they travel to the west coast. They’re fresh off a 110-74 opening night win over Mississippi Valley State. The Cyclones are looking to build off last year’s NCAA Tournament appearance, though this is a bit of a different team than them.
Last year’s leading scorer is gone, but senior forward Michael Jacobson (11.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg last year) led the way on Tuesday night with 20 points for the Cyclones. Sophomore guard Tyrese Haliburton (6.8 ppg, 3.6 apg last year) had 12 points and 14 assists in his impressive season debut. In all, seven players were in double figures against the Delta Devils, though clearly coach Steve Prohm is still figuring out his rotation with a relatively young roster.
Just one game has passed, but Iowa State sits at 49th in KenPom, with their offense rating above average. Obviously, 110 points is something that won’t happen regularly, though Prohm has consistently put together top-25 offenses at Iowa State.
Across the court, Oregon State (1-0) looks to build off last year’s success, finishing in fourth place in a down year for the Pac-12. The Beavers took care of business with an 87-67 win over Cal State Northridge to start the season. The competition will be fiercer as the conference *hopefully* improves, though coach Wayne Tinkle might have his best shot this season.
The big reason is the return of son and senior forward Tres Tinkle (20.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg last year). Tinkle should be a force in his final collegiate season, already showing that off with 25 points and 10 rebounds on Tuesday night. Stephen Thompson Jr. graduated, but brother and junior guard Ethan Thompson (13.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg last year) is among the talent that will make an impact on this team.
The initial predictions don’t shine in Oregon State’s favor and they currently sit at 66th in KenPom. Their struggles, especially in non-conference play last season, prevented them from being a legitimate Tournament contender. Last season’s offense was the best that Tinkle has put together in his five years with the Beavers, though replacing Thompson’s production might get tricky against tougher foes.
For the Cyclones, they need to make sure this game is played at their pace, especially on the road. Taking Tinkle out of the offense would be key to pulling off the road win. For the Beavers, they need players like Ethan Thompson to step up, especially if Tinkle is doubled down low. If a role player on Oregon State can catch fire, then they can put Iowa State in some trouble.
Next. Ranking early-season tournaments for 2019-20. dark
Oregon State has lost both previous matchups against Iowa State, though both games were over a decade ago. The Cyclones are a better program and more talented team, but Tinkle should be the most talented player on the court. Playing at home, Oregon State absolutely has a chance to win this game, but I think the Cyclones’ offense will be a bit too much for this Beavers team to handle.