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March Madness 2019: Syracuse, Maryland and Iowa State among Final Four sleepers

By Jason Kinander

Photo by Lance King/Getty Images
Photo by Lance King/Getty Images /
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AMES, IA – JANUARY 30: Marial Shayok #3 of the Iowa State Cyclones, and Cameron Lard #2 of the Iowa State Cyclones leave the court after defeating the West Virginia Mountaineers 93-68 at Hilton Coliseum on January 30, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 93-68 over the West Virginia Mountaineers.(Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA – JANUARY 30: Marial Shayok #3 of the Iowa State Cyclones, and Cameron Lard #2 of the Iowa State Cyclones leave the court after defeating the West Virginia Mountaineers 93-68 at Hilton Coliseum on January 30, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 93-68 over the West Virginia Mountaineers.(Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

Iowa State Cyclones

Much like Mississippi State, Iowa State is a team that has spent multiple weeks in the top-25, but has fallen out due to a tough schedule in a competitive conference.

Additionally, this Iowa State squad lacks experience in the tournament. Unlike past Cyclones teams, this Iowa State team is young and explosive.

Why they can make the Final Four

Iowa State has contributors all around. Whether it be in the post, at the guard position, or from their forwards, Iowa State is one of the most balanced teams in the field.

Led by potential Big 12 Player of the Year Marial Shayok, Iowa State does not lack scoring. While their offense can be streaky at times, the scoring of Shayok, in addition to that of Lindell Wigginton and Michael Jacobson, Iowa State has a balanced attack that thrives from the arch, as well as in the paint.

Iowa State can, and will, beat you in more ways than one. Whether it be from the shooting of the three aforementioned players, the collective effort on defense, or the mental toughness of Steve Prohm’s squad, this Iowa State team is built for March Madness.

Sleeper Player to Watch

Talen Horton-Tucker, a freshman from Chicago, made big strides in non-conference play.

While Horton-Tucker has slowed down a bit in conference play, the four star recruit has risen up NBA draft big boards, and has improved greatly as a player.

Additionally, Horton-Tucker’s best stretch of the season came during a Thanksgiving Tournament. Horton-Tucker’s success in tournaments, coupled with his improved play bode very well for the NCAA Tournament.

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