Good Cop: Logan Shanks

It is hard to predict a win from the Cyclones considering how their last game with Oklahoma went, but as we all know anything can happen in March. There is a chance that Iowa State catches the Sooners on an off day, which is more likely than people think.

While Oklahoma’s offense has been the driving factor of its success this season, its inability to have the same defensive efforts has put the team in close games. Heading into the Big 12 Tournament, the Sooners were consistently allowing teams to score in the 70s and 80s, and while they were still winning those games, this could come to an ugly turn.

The key here for Iowa State is getting ahead early and staying locked in defensively. In their last meeting, the Cyclones nearly allowed 50 points after two quarters, which left them fighting from behind the rest of the game.

If the Cyclones come out on top, it will be due to another late run like we saw Saturday against Baylor.

Maybe even a potential buzzer beater?

I do not want to go too far with this one, it is a long shot, but I think Iowa State has a real chance to knock off the top-seeded Sooners.

Iowa State 80, No. 19 Oklahoma 78

Bad Cop: Christian Royston

Given Iowa State’s upset win over Baylor, I do want to give the Cyclones their due. They pieced it together when it mattered and showed how dynamic of a team they are. That was especially true when it came to overcoming the turnover battle, which Baylor took advantage of to build a solid lead in the third quarter.

Despite Iowa State’s magic in March and the factor of Hilton South, I still do not have much faith in the team overcoming the mountain that is Oklahoma. The Sooners dominated the Big 12 this season which is why they won the Big 12 regular season title and earned the No. 1 seed in the tournament.

The threat that Oklahoma brings on the offensive end of the court is something that few Big 12 teams have figured out. When the Sooners traveled to Ames, it was the offense that propelled them to a comfortable win.

With the lights being even brighter than they were in the first matchup, there is a slim chance that Iowa State pulls out a win. The Sooners are just that good, and I believe the inexperience of the Cyclone group will show through against a team that can make them pay for even the smallest of mistakes.

No. 19 Oklahoma 78, Iowa State 71