The ISU men’s basketball team will face a point guard on Saturday that compares to an NBA All-star, according to head coach Larry Eustachy.

“[T.J.] Ford is the best freshman guard to come in . maybe since [Philadelphia 76ers point guard] Allen Iverson,” Eustachy said. “We’ve got our hands full and have to stop him.”

Ford leads the Texas Longhorns – and the nation – in assists per game with an 8.7 average.

Sophomore Shane Power said that the only way to slow down Ford might be to lock him up . literally.

“I think me and [Clint] Varley might go to his hotel room, and maybe rough him up a little bit . lock him in the room,” said Power sarcastically. “I really think that’s the only way you can stop the guy. He’s unbelievabley quick.”

Along with Ford, the Longhorns (18-10, 9-6 in the Big 12) are led by Chris Owens and Brandon Mouton. Owens puts up 15.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Mouton makes up the other half of the Longhorn backcourt averaging 14.7 points per game.

Eustachy called Texas “one of the more physical teams in the league” and said it will be a key in the game

“I’d like to see us match their physicalness,” said Eustachy. “We’ve got to rebound with them.”

Iowa State is back home after a road trip to Oklahoma. ISU has won it’s last three home games, feeding the theory that “Hilton magic” may be back. Texas has never beaten the Cyclones in Hilton Coliseum and is 4-6 against Iowa State all-time.

ISU will also be trying to move up to a higher seed in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament. If the season ended today, the Cyclones (12-17, 4-11) would be the 11th seed and play the 6th seed in the first round. With a win over Texas, the Cyclones could move up.

It will be the last home game of Tyray Pearson’s career. The senior big man said he doesn’t have a speech prepared for the crowd, but he will have some family and friends in attendance.

As for the game, Pearson says it’ll be physical down low and the key for the Cyclones is to execute. He also said the Longhorn’s post-season hopes come into the picture, as they will be trying increase their stock.

“I know they’re going to come in hungry,” Pearson said.