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As I'm sure everybody knows, I am a Panther fan and a Hawkeye fan. Once again I will be wearing my Panther gear this evening for the game, but I feel I have a pretty good grasp of both of these teams at this point in the season. For anybody that gives a crap, here are my thoughts to the game.
* Everybody is expecting UNI to dominate inside. This is something that has to happen. UNI should be able to get some good high/low looks throughout the game, as Seth Gorney has had big time problems keeping up with big men throughout the season. His playing time has diminished, as Kurt Looby and Cyrus Tate have become the main inside players. Looby is a decent shot blocker, but still very raw. I expect the inside moves of Stout and Coleman to put him in foul trouble early. If he stays on his feet, Iowa has a chance inside.
* The guard play is where many people feel Iowa has a big advantage. From listening to Alford last night, it sounds like Mike Henderson is really getting his confidence back. Iowa needs the veteran influence on the outside, as Tony Freeman has struggled in the big lights so far this season. Henderson getting to the basket and playing shut down defense is a key for the Hawkeyes.
* Adam Haluska has struggled staying consistent over his career and Iowa State and Iowa, and it has continued on this season. I expect to see Josten on him if he starts out hot this evening. Not many people understand how athlete and quick Josten is outside of UNI fans. Another good game defensively from Josten and Ahelegbe (like they did against Mike Taylor of ISU) will help UNI pull out the victory.
* The biggest concern that I am having right now is the lack of production from the bench. A combined 2 points the last 2 games from the bench is not good. You can see a lot of positives from the play of the freshman, but this might be a game where you need a quick 8 points from Adam Viet or from Adam Koch to get out of his shooting slump. You are setting yourself up for disaster if you can only count on 4 guys to do the scoring for you, especially on the road. Here's hoping a couple of guys from the bench step up this evening and can get into the scoring column.
* Tyler Smith is a player that is on another level than anybody else on the floor. His combination of scoring, size, athleticism and basketball IQ are as good as Iowa has been in some time. He is a player that can get going and their is no stopping him (as evidenced in their game vs. Toledo). Shut him down early, make him think too much out on the court and stay aggressive are the ways the Panthers need to slow him down.
* I believe this is going to be another classic grind it out style of game. Will is be the veteran guards in Henderson and Haluska that can make plays down the stretch for the Hawkeyes, or the overall experience of Stout, Coleman and McKowen. My vote is for the later. UNI pulls away with some free throws at the end at picks up their first victory in Carver Hawkeye Arena.
Panthers 66
Hawkeyes 60
* Everybody is expecting UNI to dominate inside. This is something that has to happen. UNI should be able to get some good high/low looks throughout the game, as Seth Gorney has had big time problems keeping up with big men throughout the season. His playing time has diminished, as Kurt Looby and Cyrus Tate have become the main inside players. Looby is a decent shot blocker, but still very raw. I expect the inside moves of Stout and Coleman to put him in foul trouble early. If he stays on his feet, Iowa has a chance inside.
* The guard play is where many people feel Iowa has a big advantage. From listening to Alford last night, it sounds like Mike Henderson is really getting his confidence back. Iowa needs the veteran influence on the outside, as Tony Freeman has struggled in the big lights so far this season. Henderson getting to the basket and playing shut down defense is a key for the Hawkeyes.
* Adam Haluska has struggled staying consistent over his career and Iowa State and Iowa, and it has continued on this season. I expect to see Josten on him if he starts out hot this evening. Not many people understand how athlete and quick Josten is outside of UNI fans. Another good game defensively from Josten and Ahelegbe (like they did against Mike Taylor of ISU) will help UNI pull out the victory.
* The biggest concern that I am having right now is the lack of production from the bench. A combined 2 points the last 2 games from the bench is not good. You can see a lot of positives from the play of the freshman, but this might be a game where you need a quick 8 points from Adam Viet or from Adam Koch to get out of his shooting slump. You are setting yourself up for disaster if you can only count on 4 guys to do the scoring for you, especially on the road. Here's hoping a couple of guys from the bench step up this evening and can get into the scoring column.
* Tyler Smith is a player that is on another level than anybody else on the floor. His combination of scoring, size, athleticism and basketball IQ are as good as Iowa has been in some time. He is a player that can get going and their is no stopping him (as evidenced in their game vs. Toledo). Shut him down early, make him think too much out on the court and stay aggressive are the ways the Panthers need to slow him down.
* I believe this is going to be another classic grind it out style of game. Will is be the veteran guards in Henderson and Haluska that can make plays down the stretch for the Hawkeyes, or the overall experience of Stout, Coleman and McKowen. My vote is for the later. UNI pulls away with some free throws at the end at picks up their first victory in Carver Hawkeye Arena.
Panthers 66
Hawkeyes 60
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