How Iowa State basketball’s strong schedule prepared Cyclones to play No. 4 Marquette

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AMES — Iowa State football is stealing a lot of the spotlight in early December, having made it to the Big 12 title game.

But snow and sub-freezing temperatures mean it’s basketball season, and the Cyclones men’s basketball team is gearing up for what could be their toughest matchup this season.

Iowa State (5-1) hosts Marquette (8-0) on Wednesday in a battle between two top-five teams, with the Cyclones ranked No. 5 and the Golden Eagles ranked No. 4 in the most recent Coaches Poll.

Despite the close rankings and Marquette’s spotless record, T.J. Otzelberger’s squad could be poised to upset the visiting team. The Cyclones have been battle-tested thanks to the strength of their early non-conference schedule.

A week ago, Iowa State took on Auburn, Dayton and Colorado in the Maui Invitational. The Cyclones lost to the Tigers by two points but defeated the Flyers by four and the Buffaloes by over 20 points. Auburn is now ranked No. 2 in the Coaches Poll, and Dayton received votes.

More: Hines: Iowa State basketball returning home from a successful week at Maui Invitational

There were plenty of lessons from the Cyclones’ time in Hawaii and Iowa State will take them into Wednesday’s matchup.

“Auburn and Dayton really try to pressure and get after the basketball,” Otzelberger said Tuesday. “Marquette is really good at that – one of the best in the country – at pressuring the ball and disrupting offenses and turning them into points.

“I think playing against that pressure and being tough with the ball will help. …Having those experiences usually makes you better.”

Sure, the Cyclones wanted to go 3-0 in Hawaii.

More: Iowa State basketball: Cyclones fall as Auburn rallies in Maui Invitational thriller

But those games – and Wednesday’s against Marquette – allow Iowa State to go through a sort of trial by fire before getting into a Big 12 schedule. Players like Milan Momcilovic believe facing off against tougher opponents – win or lose – can only help the…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/iowa-state-basketballs-strong-schedule-174213287.html

Author : The Des Moines Register

Publish date : 2024-12-03 17:42:00

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