MEN'S BB: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Iowa State Cyclones

VS.

GAME INFO: Fri., Dec 12, 2008 - 7:05 CST - Carver-Hawkeye Arena; Iowa City, IA
IOWA: 8-2 (0-0); POM: 47; RPI: 83 / IOWA STATE: 6-2 (0-0); POM: 137; RPI: 205

TV COVERAGE: BTN: Steve Schlanger and Shon Morris will call the action.
LISTEN ONLINE - http://www.kscj.com/
OFFICIAL GAME NOTES - HERE
LINE - Iowa is a 8 point favorite at home.

Iowa looks for the sweep (in the sports that matter - football, wrestling, basketball) against ISU for 2008. Lickliter didn't give a definitive answer as to if Tucker would be back for this game, but all signs point that Anthony will remain in street clothes. Jermain Davis should pick up minutes, as will Bawinkle. The more PT Davis is getting, the more comfortable he is looking on the court. If Iowa's bigs cannot stay out of foul trouble (ahem, Brommer), the Hawks will have a great deal of difficulty stopping ISU's inside game. The good thing for Iowa is that even if ISU is constantly pounding it down low, the Hawks can always stay in the game with their outside shooting prowess.

Lucca Staiger went Monkey Banana Ape Crap against Drake last time out (8-11 from behind the arc), but the Clones couldn't take down the Bulldogs despite having a large lead. ISU's guard play (or lack thereof) is really going to hurt the Clones in this game, as they are severely over-matched in this area. On the other hand, they have the overwhelming advantage on the blocks (who doesn't vs Iowa this year?). Game planning will be crucial to the success of ISU, Mac will have to be up for the challenge. And don't forget, #5 is back.

LIKELY STARTING LINEUPS:
IOWA
Peterson
Davis
Gatens
Fuller
Tate

IOWA STATE
Garrett
Petersen
Staiger
Thompson
Brackins

KEYS TO THE GAME FOR IOWA:
1.) Contain Brackins. You aren't likely going to stop him, but get a body on him and play hard-nose D all night against him. Let Brommer use his five fouls in 2 minutes on him if you have to.
2.) Handle the Press. If Mac has done any scouting against Iowa, he would know that Iowa's turnovers increase dramatically when a press is installed. And without Tucker to help bring the ball up, Iowa State can take advantage by pressing.
3.) Convert on the Blocks. Iowa has missed far too many bunnies this season, and it will eventually bit them in the butt at some point.
4.) Get Cyrus Tate Involved. He doesn't get near enough touches as it is. I realize ISU has some trees down low, but Cy needs to get more touches in the flow of the offense.

PREDICTION:
Iowa - 71
Iowa State - 64