With one exhibition win under its belt, the ISU men’s basketball team will make its final tune-up before kicking off the regular season when the Cyclones welcome the EA Sports All-Stars to Hilton Coliseum.

The Cyclones made short work of Bemidji State in their first preseason game last week, taking down the Beavers 80-57.

After taking on EA Sports, the Cyclones will have a week off before opening their non-conference schedule against Drake.

EA Sports is 0-7 on its tour, falling to Big 12 teams Kansas State and Oklahoma State. However, the All-Stars are no slouchers, taking Virginia Tech to overtime before losing 75-73.

In the exhibition opener, Iowa State was led by sophomores Curtis Stinson and Will Blalock. Stinson also led the team with nine rebounds, eight assists and five steals.

Even though they have played just one game, senior Damion Staple has a message for the Cyclones’ future competition.

“They picked up right where they left off and are bringing more to the table,” Staple said of the two guards. “Nobody in this league can stop Will and Curt right now.”

Staple also said the game was a great chance to work on team chemistry and to get a feel for the other aspects of a basketball game.

“You have been practicing for two or three weeks, so you don’t know where your team is,” Staple said. “They also get the referees and crowd involved, and it shows you what you need to work on for the next game.”

Bemidji State also marked the much anticipated debut of coach Wayne Morgan’s new recruits, as all five Cyclone newcomers saw time on the floor.

Junior college transfer Anthony Davis scored 13 points in his first appearance, and freshman Rahshon Clark added nine points.

“They played really good,” Staple said. “They came in and enjoyed themselves, and they had a great game.”

Robert Faulkner finished with six points, and Tasheed Carr, with four assists, also contributed to the Cyclone offense.

Faulkner will be looked to for help down low, backing up seniors Staple and Jared Homan.

Freshman Aaron Agnew also saw time in the low post.

Iowa State also received a solid contribution from junior guard John Neal. Neal got the Cyclones off to a hot start, hitting two 3-pointers right out of the gate, on his way to eight first-half points.

The Cyclones worked on their defense, Staple said, improving their zone defense while continuing to work on full-court pressure.

“Our zone defense was played really well,” Staple said. “We shut them down. We need to work on our full court defense; we’re going to try to do that.”