Who's gonna guard DeAndre Daniels

[tazclone]

Because they were on the road. ISU SUCKS on the road even with Niang, and unfortunately for them tonight isn't being played at Hilton. Let's break down their last 8 road games:

• 
  [ ]Loss by 5 @ Oklahoma (the Oklahoma that got run by North Dakota State)
  [ ]Loss by 10 @Texas
  [ ]Loss by 11 @ Kansas (which is being counted as "close")
  [ ]Win by 1 @ OSU (in 3OT, in the middle of OSU's 7 game losing streak)
  [ ]Loss by 25 @ WVU (that got bounced in the first round of the NIT)
  [ ]Win by 11 @ TCU (in the middle of TCU's 19 straight losses to end the season - in fact this was the closest game they had played from the end of December against Texas Southern until the last game of the year when they lost by 8 to Baylor)
  [ ]Loss by 7 @ KSU
  [ ]Loss by 13 @ Baylor

So let's recap. The only two road wins ISU had since January were against bad teams during HORRIBLE ruts, with Niang, and this is what they are hanging their hats on?

Sigh

No we hang our hat on tourney play at neutral and semi neutral sites. ISU is undefeated. Including wins against KU and KSU in Kansas City.

 

[caw]

Iowa State's worse road loss versus a ranked opponent this season was by 11 to #6 KU. In contrast, UConn's was to #11 Louisville by 33. (Misdirection to steer the conversation away from the ugly WVU loss;-)

Lol. ISU isn't UL defensively. If ISU were they would be the favorite in the tournament, because ISU has a better offense.

 

[tazclone]

No, just no.

KSU I will give you. KU is a maybe. The other three? No way. Neutral, yes. Away, only if you are a meth head.

KSU and KU were in Kansas City. I know Geography is hard for Easterners but Lawrence is only 40 miles from the Sprint Center and Kansas City is 50% KU fans probably more. Kinda similar to MSG and UConn in the regards that the fans in the stands were probably 70% KU fans.

 

[tazclone]

Only one team beat you twice? I'm amazed that you didn't get a one seed in this tournament.

Well Jay Bilas thought we deserved a one seed and if not for the WV loss, Villanova and ISU probably would have been flipped. We had a similar resume to Michigan with a win over Michigan.

 

[caw]

Sigh

No we hang our hat on tourney play at neutral and semi neutral sites. ISU is undefeated. Including wins against KU and KSU in Kansas City.

KU without Embiid and ISU with Niang. Listen the Niang loss makes almost all of ISUs stats an credentials null and void. There is no telling how that will change things long term. Right now UNC is the only game to judge ISU on. It was a close game which ISU came out the victor. UNC fortunately or unfortunately is nothing like UConn, almost the inverse. God I want the game to start. I hope it's a clean, fun game where both teams play hard and no one gets hurt. And I'm done.

 

[MileHighFish]

I take it you've never been to a college game at MSG? Neither has ISU. UConn has played quite a few there. Any clue on if ISU returned any of their allotted tickets?

No idea regarding ISU's allotted tickets. ISU has actually played in MSG 3 times fwiw. Last time was 2004 in the NIT.

 

[tazclone]

I'd guess they'd play some sort of match up or zone or switch between a diamond and one or a 3-2 zone with Ejim and Hogue in the paint. I can't imagine they'd play man all game. Odds are you'll see them try and deny UConn hanging out in the paint and take their odds on outside shots.

Both offenses, while run at different speeds, are pretty similar pro types and move the ball around through screens and passes to either draw a mismatch or an isolation when a double occurs. I think what will be key in this game is who can generate the most mismatches, not who can guard who better. For instance it won't be that Ejim can stop Daniels or vice versa, it will be if UConn can get Daniels matched up with Kane or Iowa State can get Boat guarding Kane on a switch that will lead to higher percentage shots.

Well said SauceMonkey.

 

[caw]

KSU and KU were in Kansas City. I know Geography is hard for Easterners but Lawrence is only 40 miles from the Sprint Center and Kansas City is 50% KU fans probably more. Kinda similar to MSG and UConn in the regards that the fans in the stands were probably 70% KU fans.

Listen jacka33, it has nothing to do with geography as to why I'm not giving ISU full credit for beating KU in Kansas City. Embiid.

 

[Mots010]

No idea regarding ISU's allotted tickets. ISU has actually played in MSG 3 times fwiw. Last time was 2004 in the NIT.

We have confirmed a few Uconn fans were able to score tickets through ISU, using some creative tactics

 

[tazclone]

Ha, that WVU game was a clinic in bad basketball on ISU's part. They couldn't shoot. They couldn't pass. They played zero defense. Hell I think they tripped coming off the bus. They deserve to be heckled for that game.

Not to defend the "forget about that game" mentality, because it is quite possible that that Cyclone team shows up tonight, but WVU was a schizophrenic club this year too. They'd go from looking like a title contender at home beating down Iowa State, Oklahoma and Kansas, then they'd walk in a gym and score like five baskets in a half on the road.

Key take away is that ISU is a streaky club. I've only seen one game since the conference season started where they played lights out all game and that was against Kansas in the B12 Tourney. Other than that they will go through stretches where they can't play (like WVU or when they shot 6% in the first 15 minutes of the game against Baylor) or when they can do no wrong, like averaging 70-80% shooting in the second half to win games against UNC and Baylor.

I guarantee you that they'll do it tonight too and, more often than not, it will be the negative streak that hits first. Its like they hate being up by a lot, ever, hence the "Cardiac Clone" label. If UConn can go on a positive run when ISU forgets how to shoot the ball and holds their great streak times to just a good streak, then this game will look a lot like the Villanova one.

Nailed it again

 

[Scot-e]

KSU and KU were in Kansas City. I know Geography is hard for Easterners but Lawrence is only 40 miles from the Sprint Center and Kansas City is 50% KU fans probably more. Kinda similar to MSG and UConn in the regards that the fans in the stands were probably 70% KU fans.

Getting snarky huh? The fans do not play the games. I watched UCONN beat Zona in Cali in a sea of red. I watched them in Memphis this year destroy U of M when 95% of the seats were U of M fans. News flash- it's fun to have a home crowd but the better team always wins the game. ISU players care as much about our fans being there in force as we did in Memphis- which is less then zero.

 

[tazclone]

Listen jacka33, it has nothing to do with geography as to why I'm not giving ISU full credit for beating KU in Kansas City. Embiid.

So the question is...is UConn better than an Embiidless KU?

 

[tazclone]

Getting snarky huh? The fans do not play the games. I watched UCONN beat Zona in Cali in a sea of red. I watched them in Memphis this year destroy U of M when 95% of the seats were U of M fans. News flash- it's fun to have a home crowd but the better team always wins the game. ISU players care as much about our fans being there in force as we did in Memphis- which is less then zero.

Did you see UConn lose at SMU and did you see UConn lose at Houston? Are you then saying SMU and Houston are better teams than UConn. I would disagree with that. UConn is much better thena those teams.

Home court is a big deal in college basketball. To be honest, that scares me the most about MSG and UConn

 

[SauceMonkey]

Would the loss at WVU would have held more weight if WVU was a better team? If WVU was somehow good enough to make the field you would be .500 but since they weren't you have a winning (barely) record in your comparison (that also includes powerhouse NCC). If the WVU team that waxed you was good enough to make the field (instead of being the mediocrity that they were) would ISU suddenly be a lesser team? I'm trying to figure out how this works.

You want to look at bad losses too? Because Houston and SMU aren't really games you want to hang your hat on either.

My only point is neither of these teams have a stellar away record. Not that ISU's is better than UConn's or vice versa. These are very similar teams.

 

[tazclone]

KU without Embiid and ISU with Niang. Listen the Niang loss makes almost all of ISUs stats an credentials null and void. There is no telling how that will change things long term. Right now UNC is the only game to judge ISU on. It was a close game which ISU came out the victor. UNC fortunately or unfortunately is nothing like UConn, almost the inverse. God I want the game to start. I hope it's a clean, fun game where both teams play hard and no one gets hurt. And I'm done.

I do too.

I think the difference here is I think ISU can replace Niang's production like they did in the UNC game. you don't. If ISU doesn't....Uconn not only wins but they win by 16+. If ISU does, it will be a damn good game.

 

[SauceMonkey]

But you miss where this apparently has the potential to be closer to a home game for UConn.

Actually I didn't miss that at all, not sure why its got you so worked up. Comparing nearly identical away records isn't going to matter a lick tonight.

UConn will definitely have the edge at MSG as its pretty much their home away from home. I think you'll find more MSU and ISU fans there than you imagine though. Both schools travel in droves.

 

[tazclone]

Lol. ISU isn't UL defensively. If ISU were they would be the favorite in the tournament, because ISU has a better offense.

LOL....Louisville isn't ISU offensively. If they were they would have gotten the #1 overall seed because Louisville has a better defense.

See what I did there I am joking here so don't get all jacka33 on me

 

[MileHighFish]

KU without Embiid and ISU with Niang. Listen the Niang loss makes almost all of ISUs stats an credentials null and void. There is no telling how that will change things long term. Right now UNC is the only game to judge ISU on. It was a close game which ISU came out the victor. UNC fortunately or unfortunately is nothing like UConn, almost the inverse. God I want the game to start. I hope it's a clean, fun game where both teams play hard and no one gets hurt. And I'm done.

Well put caw! The game cannot get here soon enough and thanks to all the boneyard posters for the fun week! The vast majority have been cordial and it's made for some good discussion. Only a few hours left!!!

 

[SauceMonkey]

Btw ISU could kill UConn tonight or be killed. I'm just saying you guys seem to be way overstating your credentials an dismissing UConns. It's quite absurd. There is a reason Vegas has this at almost a pick em.

Sorry man, you must have me mixed up with someone else. I actually think UConn will take it tonight. I was merely pointing out similarities in both teams.

Neither has a very impressive away/neutral record, both have impressive wins on the schedule and both have some embarrassing, head scratching losses too. That's just a season and its why neither is a one seed.

 

[MileHighFish]

Btw ISU could kill UConn tonight or be killed. I'm just saying you guys seem to be way overstating your credentials an dismissing UConns. It's quite absurd. There is a reason Vegas has this at almost a pick em.

It's the beauty of message board "discussions" caw Come on! Don't you know that no matter what you say, what records or stats you throw out there, Iowa State is and always will be the vastly superior team Seriously though, the game should be a great one. Vegas doesn't seem to be far off... Ever*...


*Except for the damn ISU/WV game!

 

[tazclone]

Btw ISU could kill UConn tonight or be killed. I'm just saying you guys seem to be way overstating your credentials an dismissing UConns. It's quite absurd. There is a reason Vegas has this at almost a pick em.

Who is dismissing UConn's credentials? They have a home win over Florida which is impressive. They have a road win against Memphis which is solid. They have neutral court wins against Cincy and Villanova also very good wins. They also have a home loss to SMU and really never played Louisville close.
I think UConn's defense will be tough to crack. Napier is, well, Napier. There is no comparison. Daniels is a stud. Boatwright is scary. Personally I think you guys overrate Brimah because he seems very undisciplined but hey

Gonna be a great game.

 

[Davidm]

Who is dismissing UConn's credentials? They have a home win over Florida which is impressive. They have a road win against Memphis which is solid. They have neutral court wins against Cincy and Villanova also very good wins. They also have a home loss to SMU and really never played Louisville close.
I think UConn's defense will be tough to crack. Napier is, well, Napier. There is no comparison. Daniels is a stud. Boatwright is scary. Personally I think you guys overrate Brimah because he seems very undisciplined but hey

Gonna be a great game.

Gotta say before the AAC tournament I would have agreed with you, but since the AAC Tourney I've seen Brimah improve by what looks like leaps and bounds every single game. I wouldn't dismiss him, he seems to be a quick learner, very athletic for his size and has good instincts on defense.

Anyways, I can't wait for tonight.

 

[SauceMonkey]

Gotta say before the AAC tournament I would have agreed with you, but since the AAC Tourney I've seen Brimah improve by what looks like leaps and bounds every single game. I wouldn't dismiss him, he seems to be a quick learner, very athletic for his size and has good instincts on defense.

Anyways, I can't wait for tonight.

Three blocks per game is scary with an undersized ISU squad. I think Daniels is going to cause a whole host of problems too.

 

[CTBasketball]

Fouls will be the story of the game. The winner will avoid foul trouble.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

You want to look at bad losses too? Because Houston and SMU aren't really games you want to hang your hat on either.

My only point is neither of these teams have a stellar away record. Not that ISU's is better than UConn's or vice versa. These are very similar teams.

You are really going to compare your school's visit to Morgantown with any of the three above losses of ours that you mentioned above?

 

[SauceMonkey]

You are really going to compare your school's visit to Morgantown with any of the three above losses of ours that you mentioned above?

Yes, because they were all bad losses. Either you have them, or you don't. Losing by 10 or 20 is like arguing on if your house is 60% or 80% on fire. Just put it out. Making them a trend is the issue. The WVU loss is no more meaningful to tonight than the Houston loss was to UConn, because neither team made a trend out of them.

I'm more interested in who teams beat recently and currently UConn waxing the floor with a #2 is a stronger lead in than ISU slipping past a #6. If UConn continues to play at an elevated level like that I think ISU will have a lot of issues getting into rhythm.

But, if ISU does lose, it won't be because of a February loss any more than UConn's would be.

 

[Buzzyboy]

Well . Their guards are too big for us. Daniels isnt a mismatch cause he's too weak. The big 12 is filled with Ewing and Mutombo-like big men, so Brimah will just get dunked over on every play. Sell your tickets guys. No point in wasting your time on this one. We'll be the 4th best supported team at the Garden anyways. I'm sure there's 10k Iowa St fans waiting in midtown to swoop up your tickets.

Is there 10,000 people living in Iowa????? You must import some out of towners to expect that many fans to anything. Maybe they'll pull a weekend at Bernies and bring in a couple of corpse to fill a couple of seats. You would think there are a multitude of Big 12 national champions the way some of these people come over here and talk. They've accomplished nothing in their lifetimes and yet, somehow they're going to pulverize everyone. How many kids on this team have won a national championship????? Zilch, nada! Yet the talk continues. I concede they've got a nice team but the bravado is stupid. Do something and then talk about it, don't talk about it and then get humiliated.

 

[MileHighFish]

Is there 10,000 people living in Iowa????? You must import some out of towners to expect that many fans to anything. Maybe they'll pull a weekend at Bernies and bring in a couple of corpse to fill a couple of seats. You would think there are a multitude of Big 12 national champions the way some of these people come over here and talk. They've accomplished nothing in their lifetimes and yet, somehow they're going to pulverize everyone. How many kids on this team have won a national championship????? Zilch, nada! Yet the talk continues. I concede they've got a nice team but the bravado is stupid. Do something and then talk about it, don't talk about it and then get humiliated.

All message boards are is "talk"... Take all the stats, speculation, hype, etc and throw them out of the window as they/we have absolutely NO impact on the outcome of the game. So go ahead and make fun of the state of Iowa. Go ahead and bash the Iowa State posters because when it comes down to it, none of it actually matters one iota

 

[UConn Hoops1]

Great post "superj" but the most important line was "We are friggin' UConn.....people fear us!" And,while we may not have the most intimidating roster this year, all you have to know from listening to all of the quotes and interviews throughout the season; and from watching them play, is that, like every UCONN team that takes the floor, no matter who the opponent is and no matter what is at stake, they are a band of brothers whose strength is in that bond...the bond that not only connects them to each other but to ALL of the great history that is UCONN BASKETBALL. And believe me, Iowa State, when all is said and done, will know the difference.

GO HUSKIES!!!
BEAT THE CYCLONES!!!

 

[Hume]

You can tell game time is getting closer. The natives are getting restless.