AMES – Through 10 games in the 2024-25 college basketball season, Iowa State is 9-1. The No. 3 Cyclones have one final game before the 20-game Big 12 slate begins.
That final game lies against Morgan State, a team that sits 6-8 on the season and has played just one game against a Power 5 opponent. The Bears lost that game to Xavier 119-58.
Like a few of the Cyclones’ games thus far, this game will be viewed as one final tune-up.
Many Iowa State players have seen steady improvement and increased involvement as the non-conference games have gone along. The starting frontcourt of senior center Dishon Jackson and junior forward Joshua Jefferson has been a main focal point of that.
The two are new to Iowa State this season, but have quickly established themselves as difference makers.
“Me and [Jefferson] have been talking for a long time just about what it is that we want to do,” Jackson said. “He said he’s gonna find me in the pocket. I told him I’m gonna set screens for you, I’m gonna find you as well.”
Jefferson has recorded a double-double in four games and was named a Big 12 co-newcomer of the week last week with his performances against Iowa and Omaha.
As for Jackson, he is the leader in shooting percentage for the Cyclones at 67.3%. He also leads the team in blocked shots with eight.
“For us, chemistry, unity, togetherness is a big part of what we do and how we carry out every single day,” Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger said. “We’re fortunate that we have a lot of selfless guys.”
Heading into the game against Morgan State, these two will be tested with the frontcourt the Bears present.
Morgan State is a tall team, with eight players standing at 6-feet 8-inches or taller. One of those players, senior forward Daniel Akitoby, has made 66.7% of his shots and leads the Bears in rebounding at six per game.
Another part of the Cyclone frontcourt that could help out is that of redshirt senior forward Brandton Chatfield. He acts as Jackson’s back-up, and over the past couple of games has started to make more of an impact even with his limited minutes.
“There’s been some ups and downs,” Chatfield said. “Just kinda keeping my head down, working hard. Just trying to be as physical as I can, kinda do everything and really learn a lot.”
In his 16 minutes he played against Omaha, Chatfield blocked a shot and hit a new season-high of six points.
Relief minutes like those can be crucial in games against teams with height like Morgan State, and even more so when Big 12 conference play begins.
“We haven’t seen the issues where guys are jealous of one another or aren’t happy with their job,” Otzelberger said. “They’re playing for one another.”
Morgan State is a solid team on offense, scoring 82.6 points per game. Three players average over 10 points per game, led by graduate guard Wynston Tabbs at 16.1.
However, the Bears struggle defensively, as they give up nearly 80 points per game. Morgan State has given up over 80 points six times, and over 100 points twice.
With the way Iowa State’s offense has been playing, top scorers like senior guards Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones, who each average over 15 points per game, could be in for a big day.
Add that with the Cyclones’ defense, and there is a solid chance Iowa State ends the non-conference portion with a 10-1 record.
“Play your game,” Jackson said. “Don’t shy away from any shots, don’t shy away from anything.”
No. 3 Iowa State and Morgan State tip-off at noon Sunday. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
