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[MUSIC PLAYING]
BRAD EVANS: The Cyclones, bounced by UAB in Round One
last March, staved off Cinderella candidates Iona
and Arkansas Little Rock without dispensing much energy.
Now, on the plus side, the Cyclones' brisk pace
means they are a prolific scoring team.
They rank number 3 nationally in offensive efficiency,
convert 56% inside the arc and 38% outside of it.
They're also a very experienced club.
On the downside, the Cyclones' defense
was gashed by high-quality teams in the regular season.
They also possess nonexistent depth
and have little rebounding presence outside
of Jameel McKay.
The player to watch out for is Georges Niang.
This senior is an offensive juggernaut,
evident in his 28-point bomb dropped on Little Rock.
His face-up game, three-point shooting ability,
and handles are unreal for a 6'8" forward.
Overall, Iowa State has the shooters
to malfunction scoreboards, but it
will have to play a Rock 'Em Sock 'Em defensive game
to survive against Virginia.