Iowa State’s men’s basketball team is set to face a significant challenge as they take on No. 5 Houston at 1 p.m. Saturday from the Fertitta Center, with two key players ruled out due to injury. Senior guards Curtis Jones and Keshon Gilbert will not play, with Jones battling an illness and Gilbert dealing with a muscle strain.
This absence is a significant blow to the Cyclones, who rely heavily on Jones’ 17.2 points per game and Gilbert’s 14.1 points per game as their top scorers. Jones leads the team in scoring, while Gilbert sits second. With their absence, junior guard Tamin Lipsey will likely see an increased workload, while senior guard Nate Heise may also contribute.
Iowa State will need to adjust their strategy to make up for the loss of its top two scorers. They may focus on scoring from within the paint and rely on other players, such as junior forward Joshua Jefferson and senior center Dishon Jackson. The team’s defense will also be affected, as Gilbert and Jones were scheduled to contain the Cougars’ offense led by senior guard L.J. Cryer.
The Cougars are well-equipped to handle Iowa State’s new lineup, with a strong defense that gives up an average of 57.6 points per game. Houston is also the best 3-point shooting team in the conference, with a 39.4% clip from deep.
Both teams will be looking to keep their winning streaks alive, as the Cyclones are riding a four-game win streak and the Cougars have a five-game winning streak. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Source: https://iowastatedaily.com/312558/sports/no-8-cyclones-to-be-without-jones-gilbert-against-no-5-houston