Drake basketball coach Tom Davis is in a tough spot.
His team is built around the full-court pressure defense he loves to play.
But that style opens the door of opportunity for opposition guards. And Iowa State's Curtis Stinson and Will Blalock are coming to town.
"That's what pressure defense can do,'' Davis said. "The way we play opens the court. It plays into the hands of great guards.''
Stinson and Blalock have taken turns beating Drake the past two seasons, and they get another shot at 7:05 p.m. today at the Knapp Center.
"If you were trying to start a ballclub, that's probably where you would start,'' Davis said of Stinson and Blalock.
Stinson was charged with driving while his license was suspended at 2:40 a.m. Saturday in Ames. Media relations director Tom Kroeschell said Stinson will be in uniform with the team tonight.
Blalock scored a career-high 23 points two seasons ago in a 83-77 win at the Knapp Center, making seven of 10 shots from the field and all eight free-throw attempts.
Blalock didn't play against Drake last season while sitting out a one-game NCAA suspension for playing in a non-certified basketball event the previous August.
So Stinson stepped up to the tune of 17 points and a career-high 12 assists.
Stinson is the Cyclone with the brightest national reputation, a switch that was flipped when he scored 29 points, added seven steals and four assists in a nationally televised 63-61 overtime victory at No. 2 Kansas last season.
Blalock plays in Stinson's shadow. At least for now.
"Maybe this year Will will have an opportunity to have a showcase game,'' Iowa State coach Wayne Morgan said. "Nobody knew who Curtis was until they turned on the Kansas game last year.''
Guard Chaun Brooks has also played out of the spotlight at Drake, but he knows a strong performance today would generate some attention.
"Their backcourt is one of the best in college basketball,'' said Brooks, coming off a career-high 26 points against Cornell Nov. 30.
Davis and his staff present an annual effort award to the team's hardest worker in preseason practices. Brooks won this year for the third season in a row.
"The leadership he's giving us with just his effort is terrific,'' Davis said. "It isn't because he's bigger or quicker or more athletic, it's just that he works harder.''
Drake is 4-1. Iowa State fell to 4-2 after Saturday's 84-77 loss to Fresno State at Hilton Coliseum.
"We told the guys in the locker room after the (Fresno State) game that in 48 hours we have to come out and play our best game of the season,'' Blalock said. "We know Drake is going to press us and get after us in every way they can on their home court.''
Iowa State will counter Drake's press with its half-court trap and 2-3 matchup zone.
Both coaches are also searching for consistent play inside.
"We'll keep working on it, day by day,'' Morgan said.
Aliou Keita, Drake's starting center, missed the Cornell game with a sprained ankle that has been slow to improve. He is expected to play today.
Davis said having Stinson and Blalock is Iowa State's equalizer.
"Having two good guards makes everyone better,'' Davis said.
His team is built around the full-court pressure defense he loves to play.
But that style opens the door of opportunity for opposition guards. And Iowa State's Curtis Stinson and Will Blalock are coming to town.
"That's what pressure defense can do,'' Davis said. "The way we play opens the court. It plays into the hands of great guards.''
Stinson and Blalock have taken turns beating Drake the past two seasons, and they get another shot at 7:05 p.m. today at the Knapp Center.
"If you were trying to start a ballclub, that's probably where you would start,'' Davis said of Stinson and Blalock.
Stinson was charged with driving while his license was suspended at 2:40 a.m. Saturday in Ames. Media relations director Tom Kroeschell said Stinson will be in uniform with the team tonight.
Blalock scored a career-high 23 points two seasons ago in a 83-77 win at the Knapp Center, making seven of 10 shots from the field and all eight free-throw attempts.
Blalock didn't play against Drake last season while sitting out a one-game NCAA suspension for playing in a non-certified basketball event the previous August.
So Stinson stepped up to the tune of 17 points and a career-high 12 assists.
Stinson is the Cyclone with the brightest national reputation, a switch that was flipped when he scored 29 points, added seven steals and four assists in a nationally televised 63-61 overtime victory at No. 2 Kansas last season.
Blalock plays in Stinson's shadow. At least for now.
"Maybe this year Will will have an opportunity to have a showcase game,'' Iowa State coach Wayne Morgan said. "Nobody knew who Curtis was until they turned on the Kansas game last year.''
Guard Chaun Brooks has also played out of the spotlight at Drake, but he knows a strong performance today would generate some attention.
"Their backcourt is one of the best in college basketball,'' said Brooks, coming off a career-high 26 points against Cornell Nov. 30.
Davis and his staff present an annual effort award to the team's hardest worker in preseason practices. Brooks won this year for the third season in a row.
"The leadership he's giving us with just his effort is terrific,'' Davis said. "It isn't because he's bigger or quicker or more athletic, it's just that he works harder.''
Drake is 4-1. Iowa State fell to 4-2 after Saturday's 84-77 loss to Fresno State at Hilton Coliseum.
"We told the guys in the locker room after the (Fresno State) game that in 48 hours we have to come out and play our best game of the season,'' Blalock said. "We know Drake is going to press us and get after us in every way they can on their home court.''
Iowa State will counter Drake's press with its half-court trap and 2-3 matchup zone.
Both coaches are also searching for consistent play inside.
"We'll keep working on it, day by day,'' Morgan said.
Aliou Keita, Drake's starting center, missed the Cornell game with a sprained ankle that has been slow to improve. He is expected to play today.
Davis said having Stinson and Blalock is Iowa State's equalizer.
"Having two good guards makes everyone better,'' Davis said.
