This afternoon, the Cyclones are going to take on the Huskers in a rematch that I think is very important for the Cyclones to be honest. Last time out, Iowa State had the opportunity to win the game, before Lance Jeter stripped the ball and went coast to coast to basically win the game.
I strongly believe that Iowa State matches up quite well with Nebraska, despite the fact that Nebraska has had a pretty good season, while Iowa State has obviously not. With this game, it really is a matchup between the point guards. Whomever has the better game is going to bring the W to the team.
What is meant by a "better game" you ask? It isn't necessarily who is scoring more, but it has to do with efficiency. Whomever is shooting a better percentage, turning the ball over less, and forcing turnovers more will have a "better game" in my mind. Last time out, Diante scored 18 points while Jeter scored only 10, but Jeter stayed out of foul trouble (DG got in foul trouble in the first half), got 5 steals (DG had 1 steal), and turned the ball over only once (DG turned it over 5 times). I would say Jeter had the better game, plus he made the big play to get Nebraska the win.
Diante can play better than he did at Nebraska, and I believe he will bounce back and have a great game. This is a big chance for Iowa State to get a win, and while there is no avoiding being the #12 seed in the Big 12 tournament for the first time in school history, these guys can still get a couple of wins to have a winning season overall. It's not a ton, but it's at least something. Plus, it is the last time in at least a while that Iowa State will play Nebraska at Hilton. In college basketball, you never say never with so many non-conference games out there, but it would be fun to send the Huskers off with a big loss here!
The game tips off at 12:45pm CST today, on WOI in Central Iowa and ESPN3 or Full Court if you are out of state. The game is essentially a pick 'em and I think Iowa State will pull off a win today. Go Cyclones!
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