Scouting report, Texas Tech basketball host Iowa State predictions

Iowa State Cyclones guard Keshon Gilbert (10) makes a layup between Baylor Bears guard Robert O. Wright III (1) during the second half of NCAA men's basketball at Hilton Coliseum on Saturday, Jan. 4. , and guard VJ Edgecombe (7). , 2025, in Ames, Iowa.

Grant McCasland was pleased with how the Texas Tech basketball team bounced back from disappointment the last time the Red Raiders were at United Supermarkets Arena.

Earning back-to-back road wins, defeating Utah and a late win over BYU were good tests of the Red Raiders’ physical and mental strength. However, McCasland knows the Utes and Cougars aren’t quite at the same level as Saturday’s opponent.

Iowa State enters this weekend’s game on a 10-game winning streak. The Cyclones are ranked third nationally, fourth in KenPom, seventh in NET and eighth in Bart Torvik. Both their offensive and defensive efficiency rank in the top 10 nationally.

More:Texas Tech basketball proved it can be tough enough in road wins over Utah, BYU | Giese

The Cyclones (13-1, 3-0) are good. Really good. And the Red Raiders (11-3, 2-1) face a matchup on Saturday at 1 p.m. on ESPN.

“I think there’s a selflessness in their team that you appreciate,” McCasland said, “and that’s what I hope is said about our group as well. Now we still have a long way to go when it comes to being like that.” As tough as they are, just blunt, but I think our willingness to train hard every day and get better in this area is there.”

Scouting Texas Tech basketball opponents: Iowa State

Iowa State has five players averaging double-digit points this season, with another just shy of that mark. Sixth man Curtis Jones leads the way with 16.6 points per game, followed by Keshon Gilbert at 16.2.

McCasland knows Texas Tech will have to deal with the Cyclone frontcourt. Joshua Jefferson (6-foot-9) and Milan Momcilovic (6-foot-8), as well as a helping of Dishon Jackson (6-foot-11), add an interior element that makes the Cyclones’ high-scoring backcourt even more difficult to overcome.

When comparing Texas Tech and Iowa State, the teams are strikingly similar on offense. Iowa State ranks 10th nationally (86.3 points per game), while Tech ranks 12th (85.5). Every major offensive number tells the same story, with teams separated by decimals and just a few spots in the national and Big 12 Conference rankings.

On defense, Iowa State excels as it ranks seventh in turnover margin and has 9.8 steals per game. ISU ranks ninth in defensive efficiency on KenPom, while Texas Tech ranks 58th.

More:Texas Tech basketball defeats BYU in 2nd half, takes big road win | Takeaways

Players to watch: Texas Tech’s Elijah Hawkins and Iowa State’s Milan Momcilovic

McCasland said Thursday that he has never seen a player make such drastic improvement in one season as Elijah Hawkins. The 5-foot-11 point guard has been trying to find his identity at Texas Tech and has made great strides during non-conference games.

Hawkins’ comfort level was on full display in Utah, where he totaled 10 three-pointers in the two-game swing. Previously he had just eight attacks from deep, and Hawkins’ ability to hit from deep adds another dimension to Tech’s already lethal offensive attack – Tech ranks eighth in offensive efficiency.

Momcilovic is Iowa State’s x-factor, capable of changing a game with his smooth shooting. With a 43.5% three-point shooting percentage this year, he’s also a problem in the matchup, as he can operate in the post or outfield depending on head coach TJ Otzelberger’s needs on a given night.

Most of the time, Momcilovic will have a few inches of height to his advantage in any match Tech tries to throw at him. That could play a role in the outcome on Saturday.

Proof game for Texas Tech basketball

The Red Raiders have the offense to compete with any team in the country. For the same reason, all three losses were single digits. If the defense isn’t there, the offense can save it, but it’s a two-way street.

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Scouting report, Texas Tech basketball host Iowa State predictions

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