OSU-KState: Five Things

By John Helsley

jhelsley@opubco.com

On Twitter @jjhelsley

Nearing tipoff here at Gallagher-Iba Arena, where the Cowboys are set to take on No. 25 Kansas State. Fans are slowing flowing in.

Here’s a quick primer, our Five Things, for a Big 12 game that means much to both teams. The Wildcats are trying to break through on the road in the Big 12, where they are 0-2 so far. That’s not good enough for a ranked team that considers itself in the top tier of the Big 12.

The Cowboys are trying to break through against a good team, having come oh-so-close at Iowa State on Wednesday night. Do they have what it takes?

1. Rebound. It’s going to be a regular item here during this season, but banging the boards is critical today, with the Wildcats leading the Big 12 in total rebounds and offensive rebounds, the latter a sore spot for the Cowboys this season. They need to limit second chance opportunities. Mike Cobbins and Philip Jurick can only do so much, athletic guards Markel Brown and Brian Williams need to chip in.

2. Good Nash, Bad Nash. Do we see the Le’Bryan Nash who scored 21 points and was most effective at Iowa State, or do we see the Nash who hit just 2-of-12 shots at Baylor and was a non-factor? That’s been the tale much of this season. Obviously, the Cowboys need the Good Nash.