Guess what? I'm in my hotel room at the rightful hotel. And aside from the crazy price of valet parking, which is the only method of parking they have here, life is good.
Down to brass tax: The ISU women's basketball team tips off against Kansas State in a little under four hours. There are a few things that need to go right for the Cyclones to come out on top in this first-round matchup.
Looking at the season series, which Iowa State swept, the Cyclones need to get off to a quick start. Although they won both games this season, it wasn't by much, 73-68 and 64-61.
Three keys to victory:
1) Establish Wieben inside. Anytime Iowa State has had success this season, Nicky Wieben has dominated the inside. Look for Bill Fennelly to call on Wieben early, although if she starts cold and gets herself in foul trouble it could be a long afternoon.
2) Get Medders hot. It's no secret - Lyndsey Medders is ISU basketball. Even when she's struggling from the floor she contributes in the game. So we all know what happens when she starts to catch fire. She'll start drawing double teams. If Wieben is effective inside, she'll cause the defense to collapse in, leaving Ezell, Lacey or Ronhovde with an open look. Every time.
3)Contain Coggins. Claire Coggins scored 21 points in the first game this season, and four points in the second game. The Cyclones need a solid defensive effort against Coggins and Kimberly Dietz to have a chance in this game. Kansas State is a scary transition team, and buries 3-pointers just like the Cyclones.
That's all I have for you right now. Check back around 2:30 to get some final pregame thoughts.
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