Be interested to hear other's insights about the road ahead of the sisters. Of course every game could be the last one depending on which team shows up. I'm basing my perspective on what I saw at the Big 12 Tournament in KC last week.
1st Round - Toledo. Normally the sisters have no troubles with mid-majors like the Mudhens. When you look at their schedule they had some non-conference games that were eye openers. One in particular, Michigan, was impressive. Michigan was a decent Big 10 team and the game was at Michigan. The other two decent opponents were losses. As a roster they don't show a lot of height. Their tallest starter (Cook) averages about 7 points and 4 boards per game. Top scoring threats are Lockett (17ppg) and Mikonowicz (10). Mikonowicz is also the leading rebounder and with Jansen (non-starter) the top three point shooters (38%). Keep in mind that neither of them have put up as many shots as our Ryan. As a team they have shot over 200 fewer threes than ISU. They have gotten to the line much more than ISU has and shoots a solid 78% when they get the opportunity. They have a solid nine deep (at least 10 mpg) lineup. One thing to note is they do get quite a few steals. I suspect our physicality (did I just say that?) will bother them, but we are going to have to take care of the ball or we will see them racing down the court with a steal.
What are your thoughts on game one? If the team we saw in KC shows up I think ISU wins by 15.
1st Round - Toledo. Normally the sisters have no troubles with mid-majors like the Mudhens. When you look at their schedule they had some non-conference games that were eye openers. One in particular, Michigan, was impressive. Michigan was a decent Big 10 team and the game was at Michigan. The other two decent opponents were losses. As a roster they don't show a lot of height. Their tallest starter (Cook) averages about 7 points and 4 boards per game. Top scoring threats are Lockett (17ppg) and Mikonowicz (10). Mikonowicz is also the leading rebounder and with Jansen (non-starter) the top three point shooters (38%). Keep in mind that neither of them have put up as many shots as our Ryan. As a team they have shot over 200 fewer threes than ISU. They have gotten to the line much more than ISU has and shoots a solid 78% when they get the opportunity. They have a solid nine deep (at least 10 mpg) lineup. One thing to note is they do get quite a few steals. I suspect our physicality (did I just say that?) will bother them, but we are going to have to take care of the ball or we will see them racing down the court with a steal.
What are your thoughts on game one? If the team we saw in KC shows up I think ISU wins by 15.
