***Official: Iowa State @ Okla. State game(day) thread***

[Psyclone Brian]

Mr. Anthony Slater (who is the assistant Sports Editor for OSU athletics) claims that there are 3 keys to victory for Oklahoma State. I'm curious to hear what CFers are saying about this!

Don't get in three point contest
The Cyclones have attempted and made the most 3-pointers in the Big 12. In stark contrast, Oklahoma State is last in the conference in both categories. This is the most telling stat when discussing the different styles of these two teams. Iowa State will try to make this an up-tempo game, baiting the Cowboys into long jumpers early in the shot clock. If Oklahoma State can remain true to its style, they should knock off the Cyclones.
Play smart defense
Foul trouble has turned from a little issue to a full-fledged problem over the past few games. Matt Pilgrim and Darrell Williams continue to play limited minutes because of their overly physical mentality. Not only has that deprived the Cowboys of two key post players, but also puts the other team in the bonus early. Although they can't lose the aggression, they must learn to tone it down or other teams will be living at the free-throw line.
Feed off the home crowd
Road troubles have plagued the Cowboys recently, but that will not be an issue tonight. With a return to Gallagher-Iba Arena, where they Cowboys are undefeated, expect a more energized Oklahoma State team. Some of the younger players have more confidence at home, giving the Cowboys key contributions off the bench. Additionally, the Cyclones are a rhythm team that can be flustered in hostile buildings.

 

[Cytom5]

gimme dat 4.5 dogs tomorrow..ill take ISU to cover and win by 5

 

[cyinthesky]

I don't think we should get to flustered in a hostile environment like Gallagher-Iba Arena. We'll be ok... Sometimes over-confidence can haunt (and hurt) the home team. ...Cyclones by 5

 

[IowaStateClones]

Is this game on any local channels?

 

[cyclonedave25]

Is this game on any local channels?

Doubt it. Probably only ESPNU.

 

[Cytom5]

Is this game on any local channels?

ESPN 3

 

[Psyclone Brian]

ESPNU is channel 178 for mediacom subscribers.

 

[Cytom5]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvkrGLIpp5c]YouTube - OK STATE CRIBS[/ame]

cribz fellaz cribz

 

[mackm12]

Gotta take the clones to break the streak of losing at Stillwater. Clones to cover spread and win by 6. Banking on Diante to have a huge game.

 

[Clones21]

Lets get em' fellas. Just go play our game.

 

[cyclones500]

I would love this to be the Lucky Flipside to the Nebraska loss.

 

[Cyclonepride]

Mr. Anthony Slater (who is the assistant Sports Editor for OSU athletics) claims that there are 3 keys to victory for Oklahoma State. I'm curious to hear what CFers are saying about this!

Don't get in three point contest
The Cyclones have attempted and made the most 3-pointers in the Big 12. In stark contrast, Oklahoma State is last in the conference in both categories. This is the most telling stat when discussing the different styles of these two teams. Iowa State will try to make this an up-tempo game, baiting the Cowboys into long jumpers early in the shot clock. If Oklahoma State can remain true to its style, they should knock off the Cyclones.
Play smart defense
Foul trouble has turned from a little issue to a full-fledged problem over the past few games. Matt Pilgrim and Darrell Williams continue to play limited minutes because of their overly physical mentality. Not only has that deprived the Cowboys of two key post players, but also puts the other team in the bonus early. Although they can't lose the aggression, they must learn to tone it down or other teams will be living at the free-throw line.
Feed off the home crowd
Road troubles have plagued the Cowboys recently, but that will not be an issue tonight. With a return to Gallagher-Iba Arena, where they Cowboys are undefeated, expect a more energized Oklahoma State team. Some of the younger players have more confidence at home, giving the Cowboys key contributions off the bench. Additionally, the Cyclones are a rhythm team that can be flustered in hostile buildings.

I agree with his first point.

On the 2nd, I don't believe we've forced other teams to foul much, so unless they do that to themselves, I don't see that as a real issue.

On the 3rd, that may be a factor for them, but I don't believe it is for us. I haven't seen these Cyclones flustered yet.

 

[Cytom5]

lets go.

 

[kentkel]

I agree with his first point.

On the 2nd, I don't believe we've forced other teams to foul much, so unless they do that to themselves, I don't see that as a real issue.

On the 3rd, that may be a factor for them, but I don't believe it is for us. I haven't seen these Cyclones flustered yet.

I agree that they haven't been flustered, but this will be the toughest venue (by far) that our team has encountered so far this season. I don't doubt the mental toughness of our team - but this is one of THE toughest places to play. I think it is key that we establish an early lead, and keep it within a one or two possession game throughout. If the Cowboys get a 9-10 point lead, the crowd would be rocking and make it that much more difficult for us to get back into the ballgame. Here's hoping that we can get that elusive Stillwater win tonight!!

 

[gocubs2118]

Any team that tries to get into a 3 point contest with us is most likely going to lose.

 

[Clones21]

Any team that tries to get into a 3 point contest with us is most likely going to lose.

This.

 

[Wesley]

If Scotty can hit some early shots, this should be a real barnburner. Hope to see jake shoot better in this game. Would like to see Bubu allowed to go get their guards. Might see more Railey this game.

 

[Wesley]

Any team that tries to get into a 3 point contest with us is most likely going to lose.

Nothing better than a little Cyclone Reign (Rain) dropping in the bucket from the three point line.

 

[oldman]

I just have a feeling ISUs going to get this one. 76-72 Clones.

 

[bawbie]

Mr. Anthony Slater (who is the assistant Sports Editor for OSU athletics) claims that there are 3 keys to victory for Oklahoma State. I'm curious to hear what CFers are saying about this!

Don't get in three point contest
The Cyclones have attempted and made the most 3-pointers in the Big 12. In stark contrast, Oklahoma State is last in the conference in both categories. This is the most telling stat when discussing the different styles of these two teams. Iowa State will try to make this an up-tempo game, baiting the Cowboys into long jumpers early in the shot clock. If Oklahoma State can remain true to its style, they should knock off the Cyclones.
Play smart defense
Foul trouble has turned from a little issue to a full-fledged problem over the past few games. Matt Pilgrim and Darrell Williams continue to play limited minutes because of their overly physical mentality. Not only has that deprived the Cowboys of two key post players, but also puts the other team in the bonus early. Although they can't lose the aggression, they must learn to tone it down or other teams will be living at the free-throw line.
Feed off the home crowd
Road troubles have plagued the Cowboys recently, but that will not be an issue tonight. With a return to Gallagher-Iba Arena, where they Cowboys are undefeated, expect a more energized Oklahoma State team. Some of the younger players have more confidence at home, giving the Cowboys key contributions off the bench. Additionally, the Cyclones are a rhythm team that can be flustered in hostile buildings.

I agree with #1 and #3, but I think #2 contradicts #1.

He is absolutely right that OSU and ISU play very contrasting styles, mainly in three ways:
1) As he mentioned, 3 point shooting.
2) FT shooting, which feeds into #2. ISU is in the top 15 in the country at keeping the other team off the line, and in the bottom 15 in getting to the line. OSU is the exact opposite, they are very good at getting to the line and very bad at keeping the other team from the line.
3) Tempo. They slow it down, not UNI or Wisky level slowdown, but they are one of the slowest tempo teams in the Big 12, and we are one of the fastest tempo teams.

Like many games, this game will be won by the team that wins that battle of styles. OSU needs to slow it down, make it a physical, foul-fest. We need to speed it up, shoot our 3's and stay out of foul trouble.

Which is why I disagree with #2. OSU is deeper in the post than we are, so if this turns into a foul-fest, we are in big trouble. OSU needs to come out and be very physical and bait us into that game.