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Iowa State Cyclones Non-Conference Schedule: Historical Rivalries, Regional Throwdowns, and Possible Revenge

By Doug Winkey

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By this time many teams have released a portion or all of their non-conference schedules for the 2015-2016 season and Iowa State is no different.  I want to take this time to highlight some of the more exciting games that are coming up for the Cyclones.

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Two of Iowa State’s games will be against familiar opponents from the days of the full Big 12.  The team will officially begin the season against Colorado and end the non-conference portion against Texas A&M.

Both of the former Big 12 (and Big 8 in the case of Colorado) are improving squads who will look to make more of an impact nationally after seasons in which both missed the NCAA tourney.  These games are great as they will rekindle the old rivalries of the conference.

The Cyclones led by newly hired head coach Steve Prohm, will also get to square off against several Midwestern opponents when they play Northern Iowa, Iowa, and North Dakota State.

Iowa is the premier matchup as the teams continue their long rivalry.  The Cyclones still lag behind in the all-time series, 43-25, but have made up ground by winning five of the past six.

(Photo: Jim Brown, USA TODAY Sports)

The NDSU Bison are a standing power in the Summit league, having made the NCAA tournament each of the past two seasons.

UNI could be in for a tough year after the loss of Seth Tuttle, who led the team in points, rebounds, and assists. However, head coach Ben Jacobson has done a tremendous job with that program and they will still be a motivated in-state opponent.

The game many fans may be anticipating the most is the potential rematch with UAB in the Emerald City Classic.  If the Cyclones and Blazers get past Virginia Tech and Illinois, respectively, they will meet in a replay of last season’s NCAA game.

In that game, Iowa State saw it’s Final Four hopes get dashed upon the rocks thanks to a grinding UAB squad.  Even if UAB wouldn’t win, a possible face off against Illinois is also an entertaining Midwest battle.

Bonus preview:  Iowa State doesn’t have too many premier non-conference opponents on level of Michigan from several seasons past, but they will visit Cincinnati right before Christmas in what is sure to be a true contrast in style.

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Mick Cronin’s Bearcats were near the bottom of several offensive categories, but were Top-20 in points allowed per game and blocks.

The return of Octavio Ellis (their best player), as well as most of last season’s roster should make for a competitive battle.  This game should also demonstrate how the new shot clock rules affect teams like enjoy slowing the game’s pace.

More non-conference schedule info is coming out every week during the summer so be sure to keep your eyes on bustingbrackets.com for more college basketball news and analysis.

Next: Seth Curry and His Sensational Summer of Basketball

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