Welcome to the Battle: Iowa State Meets IU Indianapolis!
Who: No. 7 Iowa State (2-0, 0-0 Big 12) vs. IU Indianapolis (2-2, 0-0 Horizon)
Where: Hilton Coliseum (14,267) – Ames, Iowa
When: Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 – 7 p.m. CT
Watch/Listen: ESPN+ / Cyclone Radio Network
Tipping Off:
Hold onto your hats, folks! Iowa State is rolling out the red carpet for IU Indianapolis—or as they used to be known, IUPUI. It’s their second tête-à-tête in the last four seasons—the last quick dance ending in a rather embarrassing 88-39 defeat for the Jaguars! But hey, who doesn’t love a rematch?
The Cyclones are riding high with a three-game win streak leading into the illustrious Maui Invitational. Yes, these boys really know how to crank the pressure up a notch! With newcomers trying to find their footing, they’ll be honing their skills before facing some top-notch teams like Auburn or UNC—no pressure, right?
The Jaguar Dilemma:
IU Indianapolis has decided that this season, they’re going for broke, or broke-er, depending on how you want to look at it! They’re 2-2 and yearning for a 3-2 start, something they haven’t managed since 2018-19. Naturally, this means they’ll need to pull off a miracle to win against a power conference foe for the first time since they beat Boston College back when people still thought 2020 was going to be a great year.
Key Characters to Watch:
- Keshon Gilbert: This kid is averaging 13 points per game. He’s not just tossing up bricks; he’s got 10 assists in his last match. If he can keep this form, he could carve himself into the Cyclone lore.
- Milan Momcilovic: The sophomore wing scored a cool 16 against Kansas City. A bit of friendly competition in the spotlight with Gilbert, who’s going to need to watch out!
- Curtis Jones: The man with a game-high 20 points against Kansas City is sliding into that sixth-man role like a pro. If he keeps this up, it’ll be more than a bench warmer story!
- Tamin Lipsey: The dirty work knight, averaging 12 points, leading in both blocks and steals. More grit than glamour, but this is what makes teams like Iowa State click.
- Dishon Jackson: Finally breaking into double digits with 11 points against KC. It’s a long season; maybe he’s just getting warmed up!
Notes and Nuggets:
- Coach T.J. Otzelberger has an overall record of 171-98. Not too shabby for a little Iowa State! But let’s get real—there’s a lot more to be done.
- 39 wins against non-conference teams? That’s like a bit of maple syrup on your pancakes—sweet and hard to find these days. Oh, and 20 straight home wins? That place must echo like a church!
- And let’s not forget, the Cyclones are aiming to bash through the NCAA Tournament for four years straight under Otz. That would certainly earn him a shiny star on the coaching tree of fame! Just don’t look up, or it might collapse on you.
Flip the Script:
The Jaguars are coming in with zero players from last year’s squad. That’s right—16 new faces, all fresh from who knows where. Can this new crew gel? Can Coach Paul Corsaro weave some magic in his debut season? So many questions and so few answers! They’ll need to channel their inner David to take on Goliath—for this matchup, they’re definitely the underdogs.
Final Thoughts:
So here it is, folks! Tune in to see if Iowa State can keep their flaming ball of momentum alive or if IU Indianapolis can pull off a jaw-dropping upset. Either way, it’s the kind of game that makes college basketball the glittering spectacle it is—where every bounce, bad call, and last-second shot hits all the right notes. Now, if only my Wi-Fi was as reliable as these teams’ three-point shooting!
In this piece, we’re mixing sharp comedic observations with in-depth storytelling about basketball teams. With rich details on players and backstories, it keeps the charm and intrigue alive while sounding like your cheeky mate is narrating from the sidelines.
Who: No. 7 Iowa State (2-0, 0-0 Big 12) vs. IU Indianapolis (2-2, 0-0 Horizon)
Where: Hilton Coliseum (14,267) – Ames, Iowa
When: Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 – 7 p.m. CT
Watch/Listen: ESPN+ / Cyclone Radio Network
Tipping Off: The Iowa State Cyclones are set to host the IU Indianapolis Jaguars, a team known for its recent rebranding from IUPUI, at the renowned Hilton Coliseum on Monday evening. This matchup marks the second encounter between these two programs, with their previous clash occurring within the last four seasons. As the Cyclones prepare for this game, they aim to extend their success and maintain momentum heading into the highly competitive Maui Invitational, featuring several top-tier teams.
Iowa State is looking to bring a three-game winning streak into the Maui Invitational, which promises to challenge the team’s depth with matchups against some of the nation’s elite programs. Integrating their new players into the rotation will be crucial, especially as they gear up to face Auburn, followed by a potential clash with either UNC or Dayton in the opening rounds.
For IU Indianapolis, this game presents a significant opportunity; it will be their second tilt against a power conference team, having previously faced Xavier on the road. The Jaguars are eager to start their season with a 3-2 record, a feat they haven’t achieved since the 2018-19 season. Furthermore, they are keen to claim their first victory against a power conference opponent since their triumph over Boston College in 2018.
Storylines:
- Iowa State decisively defeated Kansas City 82-56 in their last outing, showcasing dominant shooting with 10 three-pointers. This impressive performance marks the 11th occasion under Coach T.J. Otzelberger where the Cyclones have made at least 10 shots from beyond the arc.
- Keshon Gilbert is averaging 13 points per game and has demonstrated clear playmaking skills by amassing 10 assists in his most recent performance. Notably, he was the team’s leading scorer last season and played a pivotal role as the Big 12 Championship Most Outstanding Player.
- Sophomore wing Milan Momcilovic matches Gilbert with an impressive scoring average of 16 points from the last game against Kansas City after returning to a starting role.
- Curtis Jones shone with a game-high 20 points in the victory over Kansas City, embracing his role as a dynamic sixth-man and proving his scoring abilities once again.
- Tamin Lipsey is making his presence felt as a junior, averaging 12 points while leading the Cyclones in blocks and steals, indicating his commitment to both ends of the floor.
- Dishon Jackson achieved his first double-digit scoring game with 11 points in the last contest and leads the squad in rebounding, displaying an all-around contribution on the court.
From the Notes:
- Coach T.J. Otzelberger boasts an impressive coaching record of 171-98, including a commendable 72-35 over the past three seasons.
- Under Otzelberger’s guidance, Iowa State has achieved an exceptional 39-8 record against non-conference opponents, ranking among the top programs nationally for both total wins and winning percentage.
- The Cyclones have established a formidable home-court advantage, boasting a remarkable 20-game winning streak at Hilton Coliseum, tying them with some of the best home performances in the nation.
- Otzelberger aims to solidify his legacy as he seeks to lead Iowa State to the NCAA Tournament in all four years of his tenure.
- As of November 15, Iowa State stands tall at No. 7 in the Associated Press rankings, while also securing prominent positions in analytics circles.
- This season marks the Cyclones’ 54th campaign at Hilton Coliseum, where they have celebrated significant milestones, including their 600th victory in the arena.
- Iowa State has a solid track record under Coach Otzelberger, with a 32-1 record when multiple players reach double figures in scoring.
- Last season, the Cyclones finished impressively in various metrics, ranking No. 8 in KenPom and also enjoying top placements in the NET rankings.
Switching Sides:
- This matchup will be the second in history between Iowa State and IU Indianapolis, with the Cyclones currently holding a perfect 1-0 record against the Jaguars.
- The Jaguars are aiming to improve upon their low placement in the Horizon League Preseason Poll as they seek to build momentum under new head coach Paul Corsaro.
- Notably, IU Indianapolis underwent a significant roster overhaul, with all 16 players being newcomers, as they look to bounce back from a tough previous season.
- Corsaro, in his debut season with the Jaguars, brings a successful coaching history with him and aims to leverage his experience to uplift the program.
- The Jaguars find themselves in the lower echelon of national rankings, indicating a need for rebuilding and restructuring as they navigate the early season.
How have Iowa State’s numerous conference titles shaped the team’s legacy in college basketball?
First NCAA Championship in 1994 and numerous conference titles. Fans are eagerly reminiscing about those glorious moments as they gear up for another thrilling season.
Game Preview: As Iowa State takes to the court against IU Indianapolis, expectations run high for the Cyclones. Their powerful offense led by Keshon Gilbert and a defense focused on blocking and creating turnovers can potentially stifle a fresh Jaguars lineup trying to find its rhythm. Coach Corsaro will have his work cut out for him, as integrating 16 new players is no small feat.
The matchup presents an exciting dynamic; Iowa State is not only aiming to maintain their winning streak but also put on a show for home fans. Conversely, the Jaguars will look to make a statement and turn the tides of their historical struggles against bigger programs.
Key Players to Watch:
– **Keshon Gilbert** (Iowa State): The playmaker with a knack for scoring and assisting.
– **Milan Momcilovic** (Iowa State): A scoring wing who can stretch defenses.
- **Tamin Lipsey** (Iowa State): A gritty defender leading in multiple categories while contributing on offense.
– **Dishon Jackson** (Iowa State): Showcasing improvement and potential as he makes his presence felt on the boards and in scoring.
- **The Entire IU Indianapolis Roster**: Watch these new faces as they embark on their journey together as a unit, proving their mettle against a seasoned opponent.
As the clock ticks down to game time, fans are reminded that anything can happen in college basketball. It’s all about heart, hustle, and perhaps a bit of luck! So grab your snacks, settle into your favorite chair, and get ready for some exhilarating hoops action!
