Texas Tech Basketball Tale of the Tape: Iowa State Cyclones (17-9, 9-5)

Texas Tech is coming off of a double overtime loss to #9 West Virginia. Once again Tech will have to respond if they want to keep their slim tournament hopes alive. The Red Raiders lost to Iowa State in their first Big 12 Conference game earlier in the season but can they beat them at home this time?

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Iowa State Key Players

Iowa State is lead by their starting backcourt in seniors Monte Morris and Nazareth Mitrou-Long. Both are averaging just about the same points per game. Morris is averaging 16 while Mitrou-Long is averaging 15.9. Burton is also a solid guard, averaging 14.3 points per game. However, ISU's forwards don't seem as good as their guards. Their best forward is Darrell Bowie, who is only averaging 6.1 PPG and 4.5 rebounds per game. Tech has an advantage there with two of their forwards averaging double-digit PPG in Anthony Livingston and Zach Smith.

Last 5 Games

Since their last game vs. Tech, Iowa State is 8-6. Their overall record is almost identical to Tech's, but they have a winning conference record while the Red Raiders are 5-9. ISU could have easily won five games in a row had they not let the Longhorns escape with a two-point win in Austin. Right now the Cyclones look like a dangerous team in the conference.

Prediction

Texas Tech 68- Iowa State 66

Tech has played well at home this season, losing only two games so far. Tech feels they gave the Cyclones a win in Ames. Like what West Virginia was looking to do, Tech will be seeking revenge at home. With the rowdy student section behind them, Tech will pull out a narrow win.