Both teams look for a win after losing in their last match-ups. Kansas looks to rebound after losing to a Texas Tech missing some of its key players, while Iowa State looks to win after losing to a very underrated Oklahoma team.
Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 8 P.M at Allen Fieldhouse on ESPN+ and the big 12 network
Kansas is continuing its chase for a number 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament when it plays Iowa State on Tuesday. The Jayhawks are 12-2 on the year. The two losses came against an upset loss to Dayton and Texas Tech.
The Jayhawks are led by Ochai Agbajii. The potential first-round draft pick is averaging 20 points per game shooting on an efficient 53 percent shooting for Kansas. Overall, Kansas is a very good offensive team this year.
Kansas has averaged 83 points per game this season. That is 7th in the nation when it comes to points per game. The Jayhawk’s offense is fueled by assists. The team averages 16 assists per game. Kansas is 22nd in the nation when it comes to assists per game. The bulk of this team’s assists come from Dajuen Harris Jr, Christian Braun, and Remy Martin. The three guards all average around 3 assists per game.
Iowa State looks to continue its dominating defense against Kansas. The Cyclones are 13-2 on the season. Their two losses came against number 1 Baylor and Oklahoma. Offensively the Cyclones are led by Izaiah Brockington. Brockington is averaging 17 points per game on 49 percent shooting.
Although the offense has been fine for Iowa State all year, the real story is the defense. The Cyclones are only allowing 58 points per game. That is 10th in the nation. Iowa State’s defense is very good at limiting the three-point shot. Opposing teams have only shot 26 percent from three against Iowa State. That percentage is 6th in the nation. Overall teams have a tough time shooting against Iowa State as opposing teams have shot 39 percent from the floor. That percentage is 31st in the nation.
This will be a battle between the Kansas offense and the Iowa State defense. Due to their offense, the Jayhawks will beat the Cyclones in a tight game.
Prediction: Kansas 72, Iowa State 68