Scouting UCF: Cyclones look to regroup against feisty UCF squad – CycloneFanatic.com

After a tough loss at West Virginia on Saturday, the No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones (15-2, 5-1) aim to regain their footing Tuesday night when they host the UCF Knights (12-5, 3-3) at Hilton Coliseum (7:00 p.m., ESPN+).

The game marks UCF’s first-ever visit to Hilton and only the second meeting between the two programs. Iowa State secured a 60-52 victory in Orlando last season and will look to replicate that success at home, where they’ve been nearly unbeatable the last couple seasons.

The Cyclones suffered their second loss of the season in Morgantown, snapping a 12-game winning streak. Their 56 points against West Virginia were the fewest they’ve scored in a game this season.

Head coach T.J. Otzelberger expects his team to bounce back with the energy and support of a raucous Hilton Coliseum crowd, which has witnessed 28 consecutive Iowa State victories, the second-longest active home winning streak in the nation.

Cyclones’ Power

Curtis Jones has been a revelation for Iowa State this season. Initially a key reserve, Jones has stepped into the starting lineup due to injuries and hasn’t missed a beat. Averaging 19.3 points per game, the Big 12’s second-leading scorer has recorded seven 20-point performances. His scoring ability will be pivotal against a UCF team that allows a conference-worst 77.4 points per game.

Keshon Gilbert continues to showcase his all-around game, leading Iowa State in minutes and assists. The senior guard has earned two Big 12 Player of the Week honors this season and was recently named to the Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch List. Gilbert’s court vision and defensive intensity will be critical in setting the tone for the Cyclones. Look for Gilbert to get his offense going early to help set the tone for Iowa State.

Defensive stalwart Tamin Lipsey anchors the Cyclones’ backcourt. The Preseason All-Big 12 First Team selection leads the team in steals and ranks second in assists. Lipsey’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and spark fast breaks will be key against UCF’s dynamic trio of guards.

In the frontcourt, Saint Mary’s transfer Joshua Jefferson has been a force on the boards, leading the team in rebounding. Jefferson’s four Big 12 Newcomer of the Week awards underscore his impact on both ends of the court.

Additionally, Dishon Jackson’s presence in the paint, highlighted by his team-leading 1.9 blocks per game, gives the Cyclones a formidable interior defense.

UCF’s Challenges and Strengths

UCF enters Tuesday’s matchup after a heartbreaking 69-68 loss to No. 8 Houston. The Knights led by one with under five seconds left, only for Houston to score on a baseline drive to secure the win. Despite the loss, UCF’s performance against a top-tier opponent demonstrates their potential to compete with the Big 12’s best.

Keyshawn Hall leads UCF with 16.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-7 guard has proven he can take over games, including a 40-point, seven rebound, and six assist explosion against Arizona State earlier this season. However, Hall struggled against Houston, managing just six points while grabbing 11 rebounds. Iowa State’s defense will look to contain Hall and limit his offensive impact. Look for Joshua Jefferson and Nate Heise to take this defensive assignment.

Darius Johnson, a four-year starter, is UCF’s backbone. Averaging 14.9 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.7 steals per game, Johnson is a two-way threat. His ability to knock down three-pointers at a 41.7% clip makes him a constant perimeter danger. Jordan Ivy-Curry, the Knights’ third leading scorer, contributes 14.2 points per game and adds versatility to their backcourt.

The Knights also boast an emerging talent in 7-foot-2 freshman Moustapha Thiam. A dominant shot-blocker, Thiam has already recorded three games with five or more blocks this season. His interior presence could disrupt Iowa State’s offense if the Cyclones struggle to establish spacing.Keys to the GameRebounding Battle: Brandton Chatfield has been a standout on the offensive glass, consistently earning the Cyclones second-chance opportunities.

UCF, meanwhile, relies on Hall and Thiam to control the boards. Winning the rebounding battle will be crucial for both teams. The Cyclones have struggled rebounding early on in games, look for UCF to be very aggressive on the boards early. Three-Point Shooting: Iowa State’s abysmal 1-for-17 performance from beyond the arc against West Virginia was an anomaly.

The Cyclones, led by Milan Momcilovic’s 44.3% three-point shooting, need to rediscover their rhythm from deep. With Momcilovic sidelined due to injury, other players must step up to fill the void. A guy like Nate Heise has proven that he can be formidable three-point shooter but has struggled so far this season (25%). Last season at Northern Iowa, Heise shot 35.6%. It’s only a matter of time till he gets going. Turnovers: Both teams thrive on forcing mistakes.

Iowa State’s defensive pressure, spearheaded by Lipsey and Gilbert, averages 8.5 steals per game. UCF counters with Johnson, who ranks sixth nationally in steals per game. The team that takes better care of the ball will have a significant edge. Iowa State has been turnover prone the last couple games.

In their last three games, the Cyclones have turned the ball over 15, 13, and 14 times. That’s a high margin for a team that averages less than eight a game. Tuesday’s game is a significant test for both programs. Iowa State’s 28-game home winning streak is tied for the second-longest in school history. Coach Otzelberger, who boasts an 86-37 record at Iowa State, is on track to become the first Cyclones coach to lead the team to the NCAA Tournament in each of his first four seasons.

For UCF, the game represents an opportunity to solidify its place in the Big 12 and build their NCAA Tournament resume. The Knights have already secured three Quad 1 victories this season, including a win over Texas A&M in their opener. A win in Ames would further validate their ability to compete in one of college basketball’s toughest conferences.