THE FACTS
Location: Ames, Iowa
Enrollment: 26,856
Arena: Hilton Coliseum 14,356
Coach: Greg McDermott (16th overall, 265-178; 5th at Iowa State 44-51).
2008-09 record: 15-17, 4-12 (10th in Big 12), lost in first round of Big 12 Tournament.
2009-10 record:7-3
Current RPI: 140
LAST FIVE GAMES:
Nov. 27: won vs. St. Louis 65-54
Nov. 28: lost vs. Northwestern 67-65
Dec. 2 lost vs. NOrthern Iowa 63-60
Dec. 5 lost at Cal 82-63
Dec. 11 won vs. Iowa 81-71
NEXT FIVE GAMES
Dec. 22: vs. North Dakota
Jan. 3: vs. Houston
Jan. 6 vs. Duke (in Chicago)
Jan. 9: vs. North Dakota State
Jan. 13: vs. Texas
TOP PLAYERS
Scorers: Craig Brackins 18.2 ppg; Marquis Gilstrap 13.5.
Rebounders: Gilstrap 8.6 rpg; Brackins 7.6.
Assists: Diante Garrett 6.0 apg
PRESEASON SCOUTING REPORT
Former Northern Iowa coach Greg McDermott was listed as the coach most likely on the hot seat after the Cyclones went 4-12 last season in the conference. But with Craig Brackins (20.2 ppg, 9.5 rpg) sticking around for his junior season instead of declaring for the NBA draft, Iowa State could be the team with the biggest turn around from last seson. Point guard Diante Garrett also returns, but the biggest issue will be if another player steps up and contributes points.
LATEST BUZZ
The Cyclones have had nine days off following a win over in-state rival Iowa on Dec. 11. The win snapped a three-game losing streak against the some of the toughest competition the Cyclones have faced this season. As far as current common opponents, Iowa State beat Idaho State 88-68 two days before the Bengals came to Peoria. The Cyclones have also beaten Drake by 20 poitns and lost to Northner Iowa by three.
DID YOU KNOW...
Iowa State coach Greg McDermott is 3-7 all-time against Bradley dating back to his time at Northern Iowa
