Texas Basketball: Iowa State Preview

[Chris Flanagan]

Don't call it a comeback but the Texas basketball team has won 20 games and are on pace to land a 5-7 seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament. However, for the Longhorns to be in the conversation for a 2-4 seed, they need to win big games on the road. The Longhorns have a chance this week and it begins in Ames, Iowa against the Iowa State Cyclones. Here is the preview of the game.

Game Time: 6pm

TV: ESPN2

Game Location: Ames, IA

Iowa State in the last 3 games

The Cyclones played the 3 bottom feeders of the Big 12. Iowa State beat TCU then lost by 25 to West Virginia and then struggled to put Texas Tech away before squeaking out a 6 point win.

Keys To Victory

Squash Hilton Magic

The Cyclones are tough at home. They have lost only 3 games at home in the last 2 years. It's tough to win on the road but if you control the game from the opening tip and do not let the home crowd in the game, you can have success. The Longhorns were able to do that against West Virginia but were not able to against TCU and Kansas State. The Horns beat TCU because the talent level just isn't there in Fort Worth but Kansas State has plenty of talent and was able to dominate Texas. If the Longhorns want to win in Ames, it is imperative that they dominate the first 5 minutes of the game.

Stop the extra pass

One of the ways Iowa State beats you is by playing unselfish basketball. They are the best team in NCAA Division I in assists. They love to drive and kick the ball out to an open 3 point shooter. The Longhorns must take risks and try to steal a pass or two which will end with an easy two on the other end. Iowa State is going to give you opportunities, the Longhorns have to take advantage of them.

Prediction:

The Longhorns need to get one of these 2 road games this week. Winning at Kansas is tough but equally so is winning at Iowa State. If Texas wants to win the Big 12 they need to win big games. I think the Cyclones are due for a loss at home and I think the Longhorns give it to them.

Texas wins 85-80

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Nice preview, Chris. Thank you.

So you don't think we're looking ahead to Kansas?

 

[JimR]

Nice preview, Chris. Thank you.
So you don't think we're looking ahead to Kansas?

absolutely not (but I am not Chris!).

 

[Chris Flanagan]

Nice preview, Chris. Thank you.
So you don't think we're looking ahead to Kansas?

No because I think this team wants to prove it is a Big 12 title contender. With Okie State's epic collapse, a win tonight essentially makes it a two team race. Both teams this week are going to want to take it to Texas early. I think if Jonathan Holmes gets going early, it will be a great night for the Longhorns.

 

[Bevostuntdouble]

It would appear, from what I've read, that the team has the right attitude. They aren't being cocky and they know they need each game to build on what they have been doing. I like their attitudes right now and I feel very good about a win tonight especially after the last two games of very good basketball. Tonight is a must.

 

[JimR]

It would appear, from what I've read, that the team has the right attitude. They aren't being cocky and they know they need each game to build on what they have been doing. I like their attitudes right now and I feel very good about a win tonight especially after the last two games of very good basketball. Tonight is a must.

it is very important, but not a "must," imo.

 

[SFlonghorngirl]

Road games, key is to survive the first wave of scoring and crowd noise. We can't play any worse than we did at K-State.

 

[MikeV73]

Hope the Horns can play consistent ball to finish the regular season and through tourney. Need to see competitive games, win or lose, and avoid laying eggs like the k state game. Sure looking for the wins though not the close losses! Need consistency and good execution on both ends. With that said, lets run Iowa st out of hilton!

 

[monarch]

...beat the cyclones!...