Iowa State vs Mississippi State: Basketball Preview, Prediction, Key Highlights

Iowa State and Mississippi State are set to clash in an exciting college basketball matchup this season. The game is scheduled for November 10 at 7 p.m. CT, held at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Iowa State Cyclones Overview

The Iowa State Cyclones enter this matchup with a record of 2-0. They achieved back-to-back victories in their opening games against FDU and Grambling State. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger is focused on building a strong foundation as they prepare for more competitive matchups.

Mississippi State Bulldogs Overview

On the other hand, the Mississippi State Bulldogs have a record of 1-0, following a convincing 86-62 win over North Alabama. The Bulldogs had a successful 2022-23 season, finishing with a 21-13 record and making it to the NCAA Tournament, where they faced Baylor in a closely contested first-round game.

Key Players to Watch

• Josh Hubbard (Mississippi State): A junior guard, Hubbard has quickly become a critical player for the Bulldogs. He leads the team and has averaged 18.1 points per game over his career. In his recent performance against North Alabama, Hubbard scored 27 points, made eight assists, and had no turnovers.
• Tamin Lipsey and Killyan Toure (Iowa State): This backcourt duo is known for their defensive skills. They will face the challenge of containing the prolific scorer Hubbard.

Coaching Rivalry

This game also highlights the coaching rivalry between T.J. Otzelberger of Iowa State and Chris Jans of Mississippi State. Jans previously gave Otzelberger his first college coaching opportunity at Chipola College in 2004. Both coaches have adopted defensive strategies that have led their teams to success.

Defensive Strategy

Mississippi State prides itself on a physical playing style. They have consistently ranked among the top teams for defensive efficiency. As of now, they sit at No. 27 in rankings by KenPom. Key defensive players include Shawn Jones Jr., who excelled in rebounding, and Quincy Ballard, a formidable presence in the paint.

Lineup Considerations for Iowa State

Iowa State appears to be testing different lineup combinations early in the season. Coach Otzelberger previously mentioned his desire to utilize a deeper rotation of up to 10 players. The outcome of this game will likely influence his decisions regarding player minutes and lineup strategies going forward.

Game Prediction

This matchup promises to be competitive. Iowa State’s high-pressure defense may challenge Hubbard and the Bulldogs. If the Cyclones can effectively contain their opponent’s top players, they could secure a narrow victory. Prediction: Iowa State 75, Mississippi State 70.

With both teams eager for a win, this game marks a significant early test of their capabilities as the season unfolds.