Iowa State tends to protect the ball better than most teams.

The Cyclones have turned the ball over at a rate of 11.43 times per game this season as a whole. Those numbers have dipped slightly in conference play, in a good way, down to 11.36 turnovers per contest. That mark is good enough for first in the Big 12 now more than halfway through the conference season.

However, West Virginia makes its living by forcing turnovers, which helps to supplement a WVU team that does not shoot the ball particularly well from the field. Through 24 games in the 2014-15 season, the Mountaineers are shooting at a 41.3 percent clip.

West Virginia forced 18 ISU turnovers in the first matchup with Iowa State in Morgantown, W.Va. on Jan. 10. The Mountaineers’ defensive prowess led to more possessions and ultimately helped them attempt 18 more field goals than the Cyclones in the first game between the teams.

West Virginia connected on only 22-of-68 shots that evening, producing a field goal percentage of 32.4, which played a big factor in Iowa State’s 74-72 victory.

To date, it is the Cyclones’ only road win in Big 12 play.

For the full preview of the Iowa State and West Virginia game, set for 3:00 p.m. at Hilton on Feb. 14, click here.