As the NCAA tournament kicks off, excitement is in the air. Iowa State enters the fray as a formidable 2-seed, set to face the 15-seeded Tennessee State Tigers.
The Cyclones have had a rollercoaster season, breezing through a perfect non-conference schedule before hitting some bumps in conference play. Yet, they're still ranked 6th in the nation according to KenPom, while the Tigers sit at 187th.
Iowa State Heating Up
Despite some recent struggles, Iowa State has found its rhythm. On senior night, they were down by four at halftime against a struggling Arizona State team.
The Cyclones had lost three of their last four games, including tough outings against Texas Tech and Arizona. But whatever happened in the locker room during halftime sparked a turnaround.
Iowa State dominated the second half, winning by 25 points, and followed up with a record-breaking 49-point victory over Arizona State in Kansas City. They then took down Texas Tech by 18 points, avenging a recent loss.
Although they fell to Arizona in the semi-finals, the game was a thrilling display of college basketball at its finest. Both teams exchanged blows in a high-octane battle that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Two standout players from that Arizona clash were Milan Momcilovic and Killyan Toure. Momcilovic's performance was a spectacle, shooting 8-14 from beyond the arc, including a dazzling 9-0 run just before halftime.
His ability to find open shots against a tough defense was key. Meanwhile, Toure, who had been struggling, found his groove, shooting 5-9 from the floor and 2-3 from deep, adding 12 points to the Cyclones' effort.
If Toure continues to be an offensive threat, Iowa State's offense becomes even more formidable.
Tennessee State’s Fast-Paced Attack
The Tigers are known for their speed, ranking 45th in tempo and leading the Ohio Valley Conference with 80.5 points per game. Their dynamic duo, seniors Aaron Nkrumah and Travis Harper II, are both averaging over 17 points per game and have each hit the 30-point mark in separate games.
While Tennessee State's defense is middle-of-the-road, they excel at forcing turnovers, leading the OVC with 14.7 turnovers and 9.38 steals per game. Their defense may be their Achilles' heel, ranked 212th by KenPom, but they can still put pressure on opponents.
Keys to the Game
Iowa State opens as a 24.5-point favorite, but March Madness is known for its surprises. To avoid an upset, the Cyclones should leverage their size advantage, as Tennessee State's tallest player is just 6’8”. Dominating the boards and scoring in the paint will be crucial.
Furthermore, Iowa State should ensure everyone gets involved, not just relying on their big three-Lipsey, Jefferson, and Momcilovic. If all players are confident in their shots, they'll be better prepared for the tournament's intensity.
Lastly, expect a high-scoring affair. With both teams likely to capitalize on turnovers, especially with Iowa State's defensive prowess, the current line of 148.5 points might just be surpassed.