The Longhorns (7-1, 1-0) square off against the dangerous Cyclones (6-3, 2-0) who have won 4 straight. Iowa State struggled early with losses against South Dakota State, then #1 South Carolina, and Iowa. The Cyclones start 3 freshmen guards and head coach Bill Fennelly due to pandemic isolation guidelines so there were bound to be some early season ups-and-downs. As those 3 newcomers became more comfortable on the floor, ISU's play improved but the team is still paced by junior F Ashley Joens. Currently averaging 25.9 points (7th nationally) and 8.6 rebounds, the 6' forward and Longhorn PF Charli Collier (24.6 ppg - 11th) have surged out to the early lead in the race for Big12 POTY. In last season's matchups, Texas G/F Jada Underwood really made Joens work for everything she got in the Texas win but the Longhorns sent her to the FT line too often in the 69-51 loss in Austin. Playing physical defense out to the 3-pt line (40.9% from 3) without fouling is key against Joens because she is almost perfect from the FT line (35/37, 94.6%).
If Lauren Ebo is available (DNP vs Lamar), Texas has the size advantage in the paint as ISU only has 2 players taller than 6' 1" (both 6' 3") and F Madison Wise is only logging 10 minutes per contest. Texas also might have sophomore G Celeste Taylor back for the first time since injuring her foot in practice 2 weeks ago (3 games missed). She got into foul trouble when guarding Joens last season but her length and quickness on perimeter defense would really help.
Texas Stats:
PF Charli Collier continues to lead the team in points (24.6) and rebounding (10.3) as is 2nd nationally in FT made (60 - shooting 84.5% from the charity stripe).
G Joanne Allen-Taylor has been the most aggressive Texas guard when driving to the basket and it has paid off so far this season. She's already attempted more free throws through 8 games (24) than she had all last season (21) - also nice that she's improved her accuracy significantly on those from 66% to 91.7%.
Vic Schaefer's defense has the Longhorns at +10 per game in turnovers (24.6 vs 14.6).
@mln59 @thar0902 @wb3032 @icdb17 @DrHorn98
If Lauren Ebo is available (DNP vs Lamar), Texas has the size advantage in the paint as ISU only has 2 players taller than 6' 1" (both 6' 3") and F Madison Wise is only logging 10 minutes per contest. Texas also might have sophomore G Celeste Taylor back for the first time since injuring her foot in practice 2 weeks ago (3 games missed). She got into foul trouble when guarding Joens last season but her length and quickness on perimeter defense would really help.
Texas Stats:
PF Charli Collier continues to lead the team in points (24.6) and rebounding (10.3) as is 2nd nationally in FT made (60 - shooting 84.5% from the charity stripe).
G Joanne Allen-Taylor has been the most aggressive Texas guard when driving to the basket and it has paid off so far this season. She's already attempted more free throws through 8 games (24) than she had all last season (21) - also nice that she's improved her accuracy significantly on those from 66% to 91.7%.
Vic Schaefer's defense has the Longhorns at +10 per game in turnovers (24.6 vs 14.6).
@mln59 @thar0902 @wb3032 @icdb17 @DrHorn98
