2009 Big 12 Tournament Preview: Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State

2009 Big 12 Tournament Preview. The first round of the Big 12 Tournament kicks off on March 11th. The 7th ranked Oklahoma Cowboys (20-10, 9-7) will be taking on un-ranked Iowa State (15-16, 4-12). In the two team's previous meeting the Cowboys won 86-67 in mid February and enter the 2009 Big 12 tournament having won 6 of their last 7 games. The Cyclones enter the game having gone 2-5 in their last 7 conference matchups.

2009 Big 12 Tournament Preview - Oklahoma State

Oklahoma Stateenters their first round game against Iowa State with a clear cut advantage in guard play. They are led by four guards whom score in double digits: James Anderson (18.9 PPG), Byron Eaton (14.5 PPG), Terrel Harris (14.2 PPG), and Obi Muonelo (12.5 PPG). The Cowboys are fourth in the nation in scoring with 82.2 points per game and make almost 10 three pointers a game (9.5) and lead the Big 12 in three pointers and scoring per game. Oklahoma State will attempt to control the tempo of the game early against the Cyclones.

2009 Big 12 Tournament Preview - Iowa State

Iowa State has the best frontcourt player of the two teams in Craig Brackins (20.1 ppg, 9.4 rpg). If the Cylcones can get him the ball consistently during the game and control second chance points by the Cowboys then they may have a shot in this game. If they do not, then we may see a repeat of their 19 point drubbing from mid-February.

2009 Big 12 Tournament Preview - Prediction

No secret here, the Oklahoma State Cowboys are favored to win this game by 10 points. If anything this spread is likely too low for the difference in skill-level and performance of the two teams during the regular season. My prediction - Oklahoma State wins by 16, 86-70.

Refs:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/137045-oklahoma-state-iowa-state-big-12-tournament-first-round-mar-11
http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/2009/03/big-12-tournament-preview-basketball-tv-schedule-bracket-history-champions-tickets/
http://www.collegehoopsvideo.com/oklahoma-state-cowboys-basketball/
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=290450197
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/clubhouse?teamId=197
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/clubhouse?teamId=66
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1532495/2009_ncaa_mens_basketball_conference.html?cat=14