Iowa State Basketball: 2018-19 keys for the Cyclones at Kansas State

Iowa State Basketball and Kansas State are both among the teams looking to knock rival Kansas off the throne in the Big 12.

Currently, the Wildcats sit alone at the top of the Big 12. Surprising to some, but it’s easy to forget that this team made a run to the Elite Eight last year and was ranked 12th in the preseason AP Poll. First team All Big-12 player Dean Wade was returning for his senior season, and this team is still quite good.

The Cyclones need this game if they have any hope of winning the conference. At 7-4, Iowa State is tied for fourth with Baylor, and a half game behind of Texas Tech and the 14x reigning champion Jayhawks.

The first meeting between these two teams back in January was a fantastic game that was close until the very end. K-State scored to go ahead bucket with just under 20 seconds left and held off the Cyclones for a 58-57 win. It’s not easy to go into Hilton Coliseum and win, but that’s exactly what the Wildcats did.

Iowa State can’t let another game slip away from them like that one. What do they have to do to finish the job this time?

1. Start fast

In the first meeting, the Cyclones didn’t get off to a very fast start and were down by nine going into half time. Iowa State’s defense is alright, ranking 63rd in scoring defense, but rank just 145th in turnovers forced, forcing just about 14 turnovers per game. The ‘Clones aren’t really a team that’s built to come from behind, so if they can get out to a hot start and keep a lead, they should be in good shape.

In three of four of their conference losses, Iowa State has been trailing at halftime. It is imperative for this team to get out of the gates early and make their shots.

2. Use your depth

Part of the reason for Iowa State’s success this year is their depth. Lindell Wigginton was projected by some to be drafted in the first round of last year’s NBA draft, but he opted to return for his sophomore year. The Canadian doesn’t even start for this team this year. Now, he did get hurt early in the season, which could be part of the reason, but to have a potential first round pick coming off your bench, that’s not a bad life to live.

Another starter from last season, Cameron Lard also comes off the bench now in favor of Nebraska transfer Michael Jacobson. Virginia transfer, Marial Shayok has also inserted himself into the starting lineup.

Top 60 recruit Talen Horton-Tucker and top 200 recruit Tyrese Haliburton also start, making it a brand new starting five. The Cyclones can run 10 guys out there and feel comfortable with their lineup on the floor. They need to use these guys to keep everybody fresh and show the Wildcats some new looks. Keeping Kansas State off-balance might be the best way to beat them this time, especially on the road.

3. Play desperate

This sounds a little insane, considering the Cyclones are safely in the NCAA Tournament right now as a higher seed. Any Big 12 team that’s not Kansas should be playing desperate, especially with the Jayhawks missing Udoka Azubuike for the season and LaGerald Vick taking indefinite time away. The Jayhawks are ripe for the picking to finally be knocked off their perch and teams need any wins they can get.

Iowa State needs to look at every game as a must-win, not only to improve seeding but if they have any chance of winning the league. It’s not like the schedule lightens up in the Big 12 ever. It’s a gauntlet, and wins are valuable.

You can bet that the Cylones will have last month’s match up on their mind and how they let it slip away. They should be determined to not let that happen again. Plus, who doesn’t need a quality road win?