Iowa State Basketball: 3 keys to beat Miami Hurricanes in Sweet 16 matchup

Winning the Battle Inside Will Help The Battle Outside

Yes, as I stated previously, this game will be all about the guard and wing play. BUT, that almost makes the interior play even more important. There are about seven impact backcourt players in this game — so where does that leave you? In an eternal struggle between Izaiah Brockington and Kameron McGusty for points? Not quite.

Robert Jones (2.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg) and Aljaz Kunc (6.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg) have to come up big for the Cyclones. Kunc, a senior, has at times been a difference-maker in games. The Cyclone interior held Tyler Wahl and Steven Crowl of Wisconsin to just ten combined points. This is an area where many experts felt Wisconsin had the edge and could continue to count on their bigs for success over a small Iowa State interior. It wasn’t the case. This Cyclone defense is t-o-u-g-h, tough.

The Miami Hurricane interior is led by 6’10 senior Sam Waardenburg, who averages around eight points per game. He partners with 6’9 sophomore Anthony Walker, who is known more for his defensive toughness.

If Iowa State is able to control the interior and win the rebounding battle, Cyclone fans should feel very comfortable with their chances in this game. Their defense, ranked fifth on KenPom, is stingy enough on the perimeter to give Miami’s guards enough fits. The question will be if their interior defense will be enough to hold Miami’s driving ability and rebounding ability at bay.