Iowa State-Kansas State: Wildcats on a Roll

Iowa State (12-9, 1-5) at Kansas State (14-7, 3-4)

Tuesday, Feb 3, 2009—-8:00PM EST

Spread: Kansas State -12.5

Backcourt Advantage: Kansas State

Wildcats fans are excited to see what Denis Clemente will do for an encore.  Clemente (14.3 PPG) is coming off a spectacular 44-point performance in K-State's upset overtime victory over Texas.  It was the statement game that Kansas State needed after a somewhat disappointing start to conference play, and the Wildcats are hoping to keep it going at home against a struggling Iowa State team.

Frontcourt Advantage: Iowa State
6'10" sophomore Craig Brackins (19.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG) is hoping to put the Cyclones on his back and carry them to their first conference road win.  Kansas State will probably double-team him most of the night with their twin towers inside, 6'10" senior Darren Kent (8.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG) and 6'10" junior Luis Colon (5.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG). 

While Brackins will be the most talented player on the floor inside, Kansas State has some nice frontcourt depth and has been out-rebounding its opponents by six-plus rebounds per game.  As long as they can contain Brackins, they will be fine. 

Momentum: Kansas State
After starting 0-4 in conference play, Kansas State has won its last three games, each win being more impressive than the last.  The Wildcats need to avoid a let-down game after beating Missouri at home and then Texas on the road in overtime. 

Iowa State played Oklahoma tough on Saturday, but has struggled on the road this season.  Kansas State should win, but Brackins will help to keep it close.

Shaun's Pick: Iowa State +12.5

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