Iowa State basketball: 3 things to watch when the Cyclones play Arizona

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Before heading home to Ames, Iowa State men’s basketball continues its road trip to Tucson for a Monday night game against Arizona.

The Big 12 newcomers defeated Colorado, 78-63, on Saturday to improve to 13-6 overall and 7-1 in conference play. The Wildcats have improved as the season has unfolded. Since starting the year 4-5, they have won nine of their last 10 games entering Monday night.

No. 4-ranked Iowa State (17-2, 7-1) is coming off of a 76-61 win over Arizona State on Saturday. The Cyclones closed the contest on a 19-3 run to win.

Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT. The game will be available on ESPN.

Here are three things to watch for in Monday’s game:

Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks the ball while Colorado Buffaloes forward Bangot Dak (8) fails to block him during the first half of the game at McKale Center in Tucson, on Jan. 25, 2025.

Arizona likes to be aggressive, play physical

The Wildcats like to attack the inside, get high-percentage looks and get to the free-throw line.

Arizona is ranked No. 16 for offensive efficiency, according to KenPom. The Wildcats shoot 56.6% from inside the arc (33rd in the country).

Only 25% of their points this season have come from long range, which is 328th out of 364 teams. They shoot the three-ball less frequently than average and try to get most of their points inside or at the free-throw line.

The Wildcats are tough on the glass. Similar to Baylor, they have a gang-rebounding mentality, so it will be vital for Iowa State big men to box out and limit those second-chance opportunities. Arizona has an offensive rebounding rate of 36.4%, which is the 22nd-highest rate in the nation, according to KenPom.

Tennessee transfer Tobe Awaka had 15 rebounds in Arizona’s recent win over Colorado, including seven on the offensive glass. He’s had four or more offensive rebounds on seven separate occasions.

The Wildcats are also tough defensively. Their interior defense is solid, as they hold opponents to shooting just 45.9% inside…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/iowa-state-basketball-3-things-150257334.html

Author : The Des Moines Register

Publish date : 2025-01-26 15:02:00

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