NCAA Scores 2012: Kentucky Will Withstand Iowa State En Route to Sweet 16

Royce White and the Iowa State Cyclones shocked Connecticut on Thursday with their mismatches and three-point shooting ability. The Huskies weren't prepared for what they saw. 

Kentucky won't allow Iowa State to get rolling on Saturday night. They will withstand the pesky Cyclones en route to the Sweet 16.

The Wildcats' length is going to give White and the Cyclones fits defensively. Kentucky can run Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Darius Miller, Terrence Jones and even Doron Lamb at White on the defensive side of the ball. 

Don't be surprised to see all four on White at one point or another. 

I'm expecting Kentucky to force perimeter players Chris Allen and Scott Christopherson to drive the ball instead of giving them room to operate outside like Connecticut did. Forcing these players to drive the basketball will only benefit Kentucky because Anthony Davis will by lying in wait in the paint.

Davis, potentially the National Player of the Year, recorded 164 blocks this season (4.7 per game). He averages 14.3 points and 10 rebounds.

Iowa State will be forced to finish around the rim or forced to take difficult, contested shots from the perimeter. 

Pick your poison. 

What John Calipari doesn't get enough credit for is how great his defense plays. It takes a lot to get highly touted recruits to play together and excel on the defensive side of the ball.

Calipari has his team doing both.

Iowa State can pull off the upset if they play their absolute best game possible. White will have to continue to run the show like the smooth operator he is, shooters from the perimeter will have to continue to hit timely three-pointers and the defense has to control the athleticism of the Wildcats.

That's too much to ask for.

Kentucky withstands Iowa State's best punch.

Prediction: Kentucky 76, Iowa State 67