AR State vs Iowa State: A Comprehensive Overview
When it comes to college basketball, the matchup between Arkansas State and Iowa State is always a highly anticipated event. Both teams have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, making for an exciting and competitive game. In this article, we will delve into the history, current rosters, coaching staff, and recent performances of both teams to give you a comprehensive overview of the AR State vs Iowa State rivalry.
Team History
Arkansas State University, located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, has a rich basketball history. The Red Wolves have been a member of the Sun Belt Conference since 2001 and have made several appearances in the NCAA Tournament. On the other hand, Iowa State University, situated in Ames, Iowa, is a member of the Big 12 Conference and has a storied history, including multiple Final Four appearances.
Current Rosters
Arkansas State’s current roster features a mix of experienced seniors and talented underclassmen. Key players include guard Jalen Graham, who leads the team in scoring, and forward Jalen Johnson, who provides a strong presence inside. Iowa State boasts a deep and talented roster, with guards Tyrese Haliburton and Isaiah Taylor leading the way. Forward Talen Horton-Tucker is another key player for the Cyclones.
| Arkansas State | Iowa State |
|---|---|
| Jalen Graham – Guard | Tyrese Haliburton – Guard |
| Jalen Johnson – Forward | Isaiah Taylor – Guard |
| Devin Ross – Guard | Talen Horton-Tucker – Forward |
Coaching Staff
Arkansas State is led by head coach Nick_plain, who has been with the program since 2013. Under his guidance, the Red Wolves have seen significant improvement and have made the NCAA Tournament in 2019. Iowa State is coached by Steve Prohm, who has been at the helm since 2017. Prohm has a reputation for developing talent and has led the Cyclones to a Big 12 championship in 2019.
Recent Performances
In the 2020-2021 season, Arkansas State finished with a record of 15-15, including a 7-11 mark in the Sun Belt Conference. The Red Wolves struggled with consistency but showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season. Iowa State, on the other hand, had a much more successful campaign, finishing with a record of 24-9, including a 12-6 mark in the Big 12 Conference. The Cyclones reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, where they were eliminated by Baylor.
Key Matchups to Watch
One of the key matchups to watch in the AR State vs Iowa State game is the battle between guards Jalen Graham and Tyrese Haliburton. Both players are highly skilled and can score at will. Another crucial matchup will be the inside battle between forwards Jalen Johnson and Talen Horton-Tucker. The player who dominates inside will likely have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.
Predictions
Given the talent and experience on both teams, it’s difficult to predict the outcome of the AR State vs Iowa State game. However, Iowa State has a slight edge due to their strong overall performance and deeper roster. If Arkansas State can capitalize on their home court advantage and play with confidence, they have a chance to pull off an upset.
As the season progresses, both teams will continue to improve and fine-tune their game plans. The AR State vs Iowa State matchup is sure to be a thrilling and competitive game that fans of college basketball won’t want to miss.