Kentucky vs Iowa State: High-Stakes Showdown

0:00On March 22nd, Kentucky faces Iowa State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament after the Wildcats pulled off an overtime thriller against Santa. Clara, the Cats hold a perfect record against the Cyclones in Tournament play, winning close games back in 1992 and 2012. Iowa State enters on a 16-game winning streak to open the season, their longest ever, while Kentucky boasts a strong history against number two. Seeds, going 3-0 when seeded fourth or lower. Meanwhile, Iowa State's offense hums with a nation's sixth-best 3-point shooting at 38.9 percent, led by Milan Mom Solovix. Scorching 49.4 percent on nearly eight tries per game, he's averaging 17 points to leave the team. The Cyclones also rank fourth nationally in forcing turnovers, grabbing them on 22.3 percent of possessions. Fans are still buzzing about Otega Owe's half-court heave to force overtime in Kentucky's opener. His 35 points the most by a Wildcat in the dance since to Aaron Fox's 39.

1:04Owe's now up to 20.8 points per game in four tournament outings, drawing top-play honors on Sports Center. The big question mark is, Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson, who's questionable with a high ankle sprain from their first round win. When he's on the floor, the Cyclones play like the best team around, but they plummet to 100 first in efficiency without him. The third biggest swing in the Big 12. Kentucky's front court showed out too, with Brandon Garrison tying for second in program history, with six blocks against Santa Clara and Colin. Chandler draining six threes over his last six games. Both teams bring physicality, setting up another potential classic as the round of 32 heats up.