Iowa State has been a big surprise for most of the country, and they made a huge statement by beating the Coogs in Ames earlier this season. They jumped out to a 14-0 lead to start the game. The Coogs took the lead late in the second half, but a Milan Momcilovic fade-away jumper over a double-team sealed the deal for the Cyclones.
In the previous game, Houston was able to make it competitive by crashing the offensive glass, and the guards attacked the paint. Those will be two huge keys Monday night. They will have to limit turnovers and prevent easy baskets.
It will be an ELECTRIC atmosphere in the Fertitta Center for “Big Monday.” This game decides who owns first place in the conference and a huge match-up between two top 10 teams. I can’t wait to see the arena filled and the fans in their seats at 8 pm sharp to help pull the Coogs to victory!
This scouting report is based on the film from the Houston vs. Iowa State game from January 9, 2024.
Iowa State Offense
UH did not do a great job on the ISU big men last game. The trio of Tre King, Robert Jones, and Hason Ward combined for 24 points, while guards Tamin Lipsey and Momcilovic combined for 25 points. The Coogs did an excellent job holding Keshon Gilbert under his average and holding 6th man Curtis Jones scoreless. The Cyclones have several guys that can score, and Houston will need to identify who is hot and look to get the ball out of their hands.
They were prepared last game for UH blitzing the pick and roll. They looked to pass quickly when the trap was coming and found the open shooter. The Cougars will have to adjust if they are getting clean looks.
- Ranked #27 in the nation in assists per game with 16.6;
- Ranked #38 in the nation in Field Goal %, shooting 47.61%;
- Ranked #47 in the nation in Free-Throw attempts per game with 22.4;
Iowa State Defense
Iowa State played 99.9% half-court, man-to-man defense vs the Coogs last game. The only time they played 2-3 zone was for one possession in the final minute of the game, which gave Jamal Shead a wide-open jump shot. They are very aggressive in their M2M defense and forced 16 turnovers by the Coogs. They did an excellent job of keeping UH off the offensive glass, and I’m sure that’ll be a key for them Monday night.
- No bad turnovers:
- Crash the boards and get extra scoring opportunities:
- Ranked #3 in the nation in Turnovers Forced Per Game with 18.04;
- Ranked #6 in the nation in Steals Per Game with 10.7;
- Ranked #7 in the nation in Scoring Defense, holding teams to 62.5 points per game;
- Ranked #29 in the nation in Field Goal % Defense, holding teams to 40.48% shooting;
“Head of the Snake”
Tamin Lipsey is the “Head of the Snake” for Iowa State. He is 100% their engine and makes them run. He is an elite point guard who can score from all three levels, distribute the ball, and play lock-down defense.
They have several other guys that can make things happen for them. I’d look for Curtis Jones to bring a big-time scoring spark off the bench. He has been hot lately, and his three-point shot has been falling at a high rate. Momcilovic hurt the Coogs from the three in Ames. Gilbert is an outstanding three-level scoring guard who thrives on getting to the basket. The Coogs will once again have their hands full but should win this game at home.
