The last time the Iowa State men’s basketball team welcomed a program from the lowest tier of college basketball, the Cyclones walked through the game with almost no urgency or interest. Yes, they defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff, but it was quite an uninspired performance coming off a 20-point comeback win against Iowa, with finals looming and Naz Mitrou-Long sitting out in what would signal the end of his season.
Tonight, with Coppin State visiting Hilton Coliseum (7 p.m., Cyclones.tv), the 11th-ranked Cyclones are hoping to be a little more emphatic in expressing their superiority.
“Obviously, we want to win,” ISU coach Steve Prohm said, “but just play the right way.