Don’t call it a comeback but the Texas basketball team has won 20 games and are on pace to land a 5-7 seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament. However, for the Longhorns to be in the conversation for a 2-4 seed, they need to win big games on the road. The Longhorns have a chance this week and it begins in Ames, Iowa against the Iowa State Cyclones. Here is a quick preview of the game.
[colored_box color=yellow]Game Time:Â 6pm
TV:Â ESPN2
Game Location:Â Ames, IA[/colored_box]
Iowa State in the last 3 games
The Cyclones played the 3 bottom feeders of the Big 12. Iowa State beat TCU then lost by 25 to West Virginia and then struggled to put Texas Tech away before squeaking out a 6 point win.
Keys To Victory
Squash Hilton Magic
The Cyclones are tough at home. They have lost only 3 games at home in the last 2 years. It’s tough to win on the road but if you control the game from the opening tip and do not let the home crowd in the game, you can have success. The Longhorns were able to do that against West Virginia but were not able to against TCU and Kansas State. The Horns beat TCU because the talent level just isn’t there in Fort Worth but Kansas State has plenty of talent and was able to dominate Texas. If the Longhorns want to win in Ames, it is imperative that they dominate the first 5 minutes of the game.
Stop the extra pass
One of the ways Iowa State beats you is by playing unselfish basketball. They are the best team in NCAA Division I in assists. They love to drive and kick the ball out to an open 3 point shooter. The Longhorns must take risks and try to steal a pass or two which will end with an easy two on the other end. Iowa State is going to give you opportunities, the Longhorns have to take advantage of them.
Prediction
The Longhorns need to get one of these 2 road games this week. Winning at Kansas is tough but equally so is winning at Iowa State. If Texas wants to win the Big 12 they need to win big games. I think the Cyclones are due for a loss at home and I think the Longhorns give it to them.
Texas wins 85-80
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