Arizona vs. Iowa State: Key storylines to watch in the Maui Invitational matchup

TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 09: Brandon Randolph #5 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after scoring against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half of the college basketball game at McKale Center on December 9, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Crimson Tide 88-82. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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AMES, IA – FEBRUARY 13: Nick Weiler-Babb #1 of the Iowa State Cyclones drives the ball as Devonte’ Graham #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks defends in the first half of play at Hilton Coliseum on February 13, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

Nick Weiler-Babb is in charge of Iowa State’s offense

With Wigginton ruled out for Maui, last season’s leader in assists will resume his role as the de-facto point guard for Iowa State. Weiler-Babb is one of the biggest triple-double threats in the entire country, averaging 11.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 5.0 apg. The senior’s presence took pressure off of Wigginton last season and does the same for freshman guard Tyrese Haliburton, who’s been getting most of Wigginton’s minutes.

Weiler-Babb isn’t just a facilitator, he also can shoot and score at a proficient level. He scored at least 14 points 12 times last year and is a nightmare for opponents on the glass. For a team like Arizona who doesn’t have the greatest size at times on the court, it could be an issue in the quarterfinals matchup.

Of course, Iowa State doesn’t have much size either due to the injuries, so expect Weiler-Babb to play a bunch of different positions to try to gain an advantage. The Wildcats do have a number of 6’5 and 6’6 guards, so they’re equipped to match up if needed. Iowa State’s offense has looked solid so far but without a key scorer like Wigginton it can easily take a dip. A big individual performance from the senior will be key to a Cyclones win on Monday.

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