ISU women pregame

And away we go!
After an early (and rather depressing) loss by the men's team, it's onto the women's game -- a 6 p.m. tip against 13th ranked, top-seeded Texas A&M. Outlook: rough. It's not going to be easy. But then again, that's never stopped this team before.
I'll be interested to see what happens. Talking to a reporter from The Oklahoman, he was convinved no Big 12 North teams have a chance against any Big 12 South teams. Baylor, Oklahoma, A&M and Iowa State are the only teams left -- just one North team -- us.
So how can they fare? It depends on who shows up. Iowa State topped A&M in Hilton, but that was Hilton. This is not. So here's what needs to happen right off the bat.

Wieben is going to be covered strongly in the post, so she needs to establish herself inside early. I would be very surprised if she tees up for another three, but if she has an open look, she'll take it, because she can knock it down.

Medders needs another huge game today. Maybe, because she was at the men's game earlier, she'll be pumped and ready to roll. But the Cyclones are going to have to fall back on her.

Ronhovde needs to wake up. She came up huge in the final games of the season for the Cyclones, and she needs to return.

Ezell needs to shoot well from the perimeter, and not be afraid to miss. Just tee up and bury them, because the girl can shoot, that's for sure.

Defense, defense, defense. It's always said -- Offense wins games, defense wins championships. Well, Iowa State undoubtedly has a chance to prove that right, and they need to step it up on defense. Give up 45 points to A&M in the first half like they did yesterday, and that'll spell trouble.

The FANS. ISU fans need to be as loud as they've ever been. Now is the time to bring a little Hilton Magic into the South. More than ever.

They have a chance, and it's hard not to pull for these girls. The No. 5 seed has just one win in the semifinals (1-5). Can ISU make it two? Maybe. We'll soon see.

Just over an hour until tipoff. I'm excited, you should be too. Check back for first half stats a little after 6 p.m. And tune into FSN.

This is a big game for the ISU women's basketball program. A&M rolled their only opponent so far in the Tourney, whereas ISU has had two close games...It'll be interesting.

I'll update in a bit with the first 10 minutes of the first half.