California Davis at Iowa State

Iowa State is host to The World Vision Classic opening in Ames tonight, taking on the UC-Davis Aggies. The Aggies were not a competitive team last season as they dropped 22 games. Even in the Big West they managed only a 2-14 mark. They have a lot of that team coming back, but it would take a huge difference to make up the distance between them and the Cyclones, especially on the road. Iowa State features a young team, but has a pair of sharpshooters in the backcourt giving them an edge here. They will also have a mismatch in the paint where 6-10 Craig Brackins returns. As a freshman, Brackins averaged 11.4 ppg and five boards, as well as producing 20+ in five games. Iowa State is not going to be a player in the Big-12, but the talent differential vs. the Aggies is large. At home in the opener, I expect a big effort and win.