The collegiate hardwood is set for an electrifying matchup as the Lindenwood Lions (0-1, 0-1 away) roar into the vibrant James H. Hilton Coliseum to face off against the Iowa State Cyclones (1-0, 1-0 HOME). The Lions, coming off a tough 84-52 road loss to Nebraska, are looking to claw their way back against a Cyclones team that breezed past the Green Bay Phoenix at home 85-44. In the tussle between Lindenwood’s grit and Iowa State’s finesse, only one can emerge victorious under the bright lights at 7:00 PM on November 9, 2023.

Lindenwood’s Uphill Battle

The Lindenwood Lions are looking to step up as they shake off a tough loss to open the regular season. A lone game into the season, and the Lions’ offense appears anemic, managing only 52 points. This places them in a precarious position, especially considering their 323rd ranking in points scored across the division. Their shooting accuracy from the field is a concern, with a 32.4% success rate suggesting a need for more composed execution in offense. Yet, amidst these struggles, senior forward Keenon Cole has emerged as a beacon, leading the charge with 14 points, although his individual efforts highlight the team’s reliance on his scoring prowess.

Defensively, the Lions have been less than formidable. Their 320th ranking in field goal percentage defense has left them exposed and trailing in contests. Despite this, the Lions have demonstrated some resilience under the rim. Senior forward David Ware, with seven rebounds per game, stands out as a pillar in the paint. This rebounding capacity could be a key factor if the Lions are to disrupt the Cyclones’ offensive flow and create second-chance opportunities. To enhance their chances, they must also rectify a glaring issue: the distribution of the ball. With only two assists in the first game as a team, they lack the necessary ball movement to unsettle the Cyclones’ defense.

Trends also paint a concerning picture for the Lions. Their last outing against a formidable Nebraska team exposed a trend of succumbing under pressure, a tendency they cannot afford against the Cyclones. The Lions’ recent performance history, which includes high-scoring overtimes and losses when stakes are high, indicates a pattern of faltering in the clutch moments. To pivot from this narrative, they’ll need to tighten their defense and translate individual performances into a cohesive team effort.

Iowa State’s Dominant Display

Iowa State Cyclones kicked off their season with a statement win, an 85-44 demolition against the Green Bay Phoenix that showcases their depth and firepower. The Cyclones’ offense thundered with precision, led by a shooting percentage that places them comfortably in the upper echelon of the league. Freshman forward Milan Momcilovic’s 18-point showcase is just a fraction of the narrative; the Cyclones’ arsenal is replete with players who can score in bunches, evidenced by junior guard Keshon Gilbert’s 17 points and the balanced contributions from the bench. This multifaceted attack could spell trouble for the Lions, who have already shown a propensity to give up high point totals.

On the defensive end, the Cyclones are just as formidable. Their inaugural performance saw them hold their opponents to a meager 44 points, signaling their capacity to lock down defensively. This defensive prowess is supported by a balanced rebounding effort, with senior forward Tre King and sophomore guard Tamin Lipsey each grabbing eight boards. Lipsey’s presence on the court extends beyond rebounding; his seven assists in the last game are indicative of the Cyclones’ fluid ball movement and unselfish play.

The Cyclones are riding a wave of momentum and the stats reflect their dominance. They have been particularly impressive at home, where the energy of the Hilton Coliseum propels them to elevate their game—a trend that bodes ill for the visiting Lions. Moreover, the Cyclones’ recent history reveals a tendency to surge in early-season matchups, laying down early markers for their conference aspirations. For the Cyclones to maintain their trajectory, continuing to leverage their home-court advantage and keeping their foot on the pedal from tip-off to the final buzzer will be crucial.

David’s Pick – Iowa State Cyclones (-31)

In the end, the smart money’s on the Cyclones. The Lindenwood Lions, while they have heart, are struggling to find their footing in the scoring department. They’ll be hard-pressed to contain an Iowa State team that’s clicking on all cylinders. With Lindenwood allowing 84 points defensively, they’ll have to perform a defensive miracle to cool down the Cyclones who have shown they can torch the nets from beyond the arc and inside the paint. Iowa State’s offensive juggernaut, backed by Momcilovic’s sharpshooting and Lipsey’s court vision, is poised to rule the day. The Cyclones’ defense, which turned their first game into a rout, seems primed to stifle the Lions’ roar. Expect Iowa State to cover the spread and continue their winning ways.