College Basketball Game of the Week: No. 2 Kansas vs. No. 14 Iowa State
A must-watch Saturday afternoon Big 12 conference matchup is on tap between No. 2 Kansas and No. 14 Iowa State in Lawrence, Kansas. As we look forward to sitting back, relaxing and watching a tremendous slate of college basketball (and NFL football), let’s take a look at the two top teams in the Big 12
No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks (15-1, 4-0)
The No. 2 ranked Kansas Jayhawks are virtually unstoppable. Led by coach Bill Self, the program is off to a scorching hot 15-1 start with an undefeated 4-0 record in the Big 12. Kansas is on a nine game win streak dating back to Nov. 28, 2022, and have quality wins over Seton Hall, previous-No.14 Indiana, Texas Tech and West Virginia.
Jalen Wilson leads the charge on offense with 20.0 PPG and is a trending name in the Wooden Award race. The junior forward aims to push Kansas towards another deep March Madness run.
Freshman and potential lottery pick, Gradey Dick has made an early impact. Dick is shooting at a 47.2% clip from the field with 14.3 points per game. The freshman has been lights out from behind the arch and is an X-Factor for the Jayhawks.
Guard Kevin McCullar Jr. and forward KJ Adams Jr. also average double digit points for Bill Self’s squad.
Can anyone stop Kansas?
No. 14 Iowa State Cyclones (13-2, 4-0)
The No. 14 Iowa State Cyclones look to make a statement win on the road in a premier Big 12 conference matchup. The Cyclones are tied for first in the Big 12 with a 4-0 record but they’ll have to fight for their fifth win against a high-energy Kansas offense.
The Cyclones have an optimistic resume with wins against previous-No.1 UNC, No.12 Baylor and No.17 TCU.
Unlike most teams, Iowa State does not have a “go-to” guy as they have three double digit scorers with Guard Jaren Holmes leading with 13.1 points per game. Holmes also averages 3.1 rebounds per game and 3.2 assists per game.
A notable storyline in this elite matchup is the homecoming for senior guard Caleb Grill. Grill, a Wichita, Kansas native, will play in Kansas against the team he used to root against. The senior will be playing for much more than just a notable conference win.
Guard Gabe Kalscheur also averages 11.1 points per game for the Cyclones.
Will Iowa be able to “heat up the Grill” and make a statement win in Lawrence?
Prediction: Kansas 79, Iowa State 70
Jasper Abrahams is a first-year student majoring in Communications. To contact him, please email jpa5778@psu.edu.
