Iowa State Men’s Basketball Preview: We’re Talking Creighton

Last Time Out

Iowa State took care of business against a very physical St. John’s team. Despite Lipsey leaving the game with 2:08 left due to a lower-body injury, the team powered through for the victory. Milan led the team in scoring with 24 points and five three-pointers made. Jefferson finished with 17 points and eight rebounds, as Lipsey ended his night with 16 points and five assists. Buchanan, who played most of the team with foul trouble, played his butt off the last seven or so minutes. Despite the foul trouble, he was hustling, rebounding, passing, and even nailed two clutch free throws. St. John’s, which is one of the biggest teams in the country, was out-rebounded by the Clones 38-26 in the 83-82 win by Iowa State. Currently, Tamin is listed day-to-day, and it is unknown if he will play today against Crieghton.

About Creighton

Can you have a skid five games into the season? Well, Creighton is 3-2 on the season with a 27-point loss to Gonzaga and a 7-point loss to Baylor last night. Earlier this week, they lost Jackson McAndrew for the season with a foot injury. In their five games, Nik Graves, Blake Harper, and Josh Dix are getting a lot of shots for the Jays. Dix has been the most productive so far, averaging 11 points through the start of the season. The problem for the Jays is the frontcourt. McAndrew, their starting four-man, is out for the year, and Owen Freeman is either not 100% as of today or has deteriorated since the offseason. After dropping 19 points in 19 minutes against South Dakota in the season-opener, Freeman has not looked good offensively or defensively. Jefferson and Buchanan just had one of their hardest matchups of the year, and now they go against a struggling Freeman and an undersized Jasen Green at the four spot.

Player to Watch

There are two key players to watch in this matchup, and neither of them is Creighton’s best player. Blake Harper is shooting 50% from deep to start the season and can drop 25 points during any game. The problem is, he’s struggled at the rim and finishing. It will be a key point to make sure he doesn’t get hot from deep. Austin Swartz is averaging just 2 points a game, yet he’s being listed as a player to watch? Yes. Swartz dropped four three-pointers on the Clones’ heads in their scrimmage earlier this year. He is not an awful shooter, and with the added confidence against a familiar defense, closeouts need to be on their A Game.

Pick 3

1 – Bateman reaches double figures

2 – Blake Buchanan has a double-double

3 – Toure ends the night with 3+ steals

Prediction

Creighton doesn’t look great right now, that’s for sure. However, the Cyclones are coming off a very physical game, and it is very unlikely Lipsey plays. I think it’s a lot closer than it should be, especially with Creighton’s three-point shooting keeping them in it. At the end of the day, I do think the backcourt pushes Iowa State to the finish line. Jefferson should have a lot of mismatches against Creighton’s post players, and Buchanan works way harder than Freeman down low.

Iowa State: 75

Creighton: 69

Game Notes

The Matchup: Creighton (3-2, 0-0 Big East) vs #15 Iowa State (5-0, 0-0 Big 12)

Where: Michelob Ultra Arena | Las Vegas, LV

When: Tuesday, November 25th, 1:00pm

Spread: Iowa State -6.5 | O/U 151.5

Radio: Cyclone Radio Network/Varsity Radio App Talent: John Walters (PxP), Eric Heft (Analyst)

TV: Tru TV

Live Stats: Cyclonestats.com