Game Primer: How to Watch, Key Players and Important Information for Iowa State at Kansas Jayhawks
A difficult stretch for the Kansas Jayhawks got tougher as they dropped a difficult game on the road to the Kansas State Wildcats without senior starter Holly Kersgieter. And up next is a home rematch against the Oklahoma State Cowgirls, who suffered defeat in Stillwater to open up the conference slate.
The Cowgirls lead the all-time series 41-38, although the Jayhawks have won three straight in the series.
Before today's important matchup, here are the essentials:
The Numbers
Editor's Note: Unless otherwise noted, all stats are provided by CBB Analytics. CBB Analytics is a new stats website in college hoops, covering both men and women's basketball in D-I, D-II and D-III. You can follow them on Twitter @CBBAnalytics
Kansas: 17-10 (7-9 Big 12): CBB Analytics Net Rating - 61st overall, 81st offense, 58th defense
#23 Iowa State: 18-8 (10-6 Big 12): Net Rating - 36th overall, 40th offense, 83rd defense
Line: ISU -3.5
O/U: 134.5
How to Watch
Wednesday, March 1st, 7:00 p.m. CST
Lawrence, KS: Allen Fieldhouse
TV: Big 12 Now on ESPN+
- Josh Klingler (Play-by-Play), Jill Dorsey-Hall (Analyst)
Radio: IMG Jayhawk Radio Network
- Steven Davis (Play-by-Play), David Lawrence (Analyst)
Webcast: Kansas Online Radio
Game Coverage
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Opponent Team Form
The Cyclones have been up and down this season, and that hasn't changed since the last time these two teams met. And the overall strength of Iowa State hasn't changed either, even as the offense has regressed and the defense has gotten better. The result has been a 6-4 record since the last meeting that has kept them in the middle of the pack of the Big 12 conference.
The offense is still slow-paced overall, with a very small number of fast-break opportunities. They get a lot of points in the halfcourt, but take a larger percentage of their shots from beyond the arc than most of the conference. Since the last meeting, their overall shooting has dropped slightly to 42.4%, with only a 41.3% over the last 5 game stretch. Recently, they have been one of the worst teams at scoring off of turnovers, getting fast break points, offensive rebounding and assisting on made baskets. There is a lot of isolation and players creating their own shots, which is something that Kansas might look to limit.
Defensively, the team has improved slightly. They steal the ball on 9.8% of opportunities, which is better than before but still quite bad. They are pretty good at preventing offensive rebounds overall, but have been significantly less so in the last five games. And they have been especially bad on rebounding from inside the paint (but away from the rim) and on corner threes, two shots that the Jayhawks like to take a lot of. The overall philosophy seems to be to push teams into poor shots and then limiting them in second chance opportunities. They don't force a lot of turnovers, which is something that has caused problems at times.
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Players to Watch
Nothing has really changed in this department, with Ashley Joens still the clear lead option. She has upped her average to 20.5 points per game and 9.2 rebounds. Emily Ryan is still the main ballhandler, averaging 6.6 assists while still scoring 11.0 points per game. She also leads the teams in steals, but just at 1.8 per game. And Lexi Donarski is still a menace on the perimeter, also contributing 12.2 points.
Inside, the Cyclones have been successful with a combination of Morgan Kane, Nyamer Diew and Izzi Zingaro, all of whom have contributed but haven't done anything spectacular individually.
Matchups to Watch
In the last matchup, Taiyanna Jackson was on the bench for large stretches thanks to foul trouble, but she has been able to avoid it much better recently, especially at home. But Nadira Eltayeb and Zsofia Telegdy have been able to contribute well in spot minutes, and Chandler Prater has been very successful filling in when needed.
On the perimeter, the availability of Holly Kersgieter could go a long way to determining the outcome, as her defense could be key. Additionally, she is bound to want to put together a better offensive performance if she can. But if she can't go, then Mia Vuksic did an admirable job against Oklahoma State and really provided a spark to complement Zakiyah Franklin and Wyvette Mayberry.
Prediction
Kansas showed against the Cowgirls that they can still be successful without Kersgieter, especially after they have had time to prepare. And Jackson and Prater have done much better about staying out of foul trouble.
If the refs allow the type of physical game we saw on Sunday, then that really plays in the favor of the Jayhawks. But even if they don't, the extra energy that Kansas gets defensively at home will help, and I expect the advantage inside to really shine through.
Kansas 71, Iowa State 67.
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