Key match-ups for WSU Vs. ISU-B.

If ISU blue wants to prove they are for real they have to be able to win on the road. For that to happen they need this game this weekend. Let's break it down:

Frontcourt
In this area there is just a difference in philosophy. The Trees bring an athletic front-court with what should be an All Valley First team player in Carl Richard, the guy is undersized but has played phenomenal basketball as of late, including the game-winning tip in against Creighton. Myles Walker is big, strong and a little athletic but he isn't the smartest basketball player on the planet, tends to rack up the fouls. WSU features a strong forward in JT Durley. Durley was injured against UNI but is questionable against ISU Blue. Durley averages 11.5 points per game and has a history against the Trees including a complete free throw break-down his freshman season. I would give the edge to the Shockers. Their size is just too much for the Sycs to handle I believe.
Backcourt
I think that the Trees actually have an advantage in this area purely because of their amount of good, young guards. With Freshman Jake Odum at Point the Trees have found a true leader and ball handler. When you watch ISU they get better when the ball  is in the hands of Odum. He is not a great scorer but his passing capabilities don't seem to go away, Shockers you are in for a real challenge to stop this kid. WSU features a decent back-court but really leans on their front-court. Senior Guard Toure Murray is a great scorer but the point guard play isnt the best as possible. Junior guard David Kyles is a pretty excellent scorer as well, but once you get past those two the backcourt isn't anything special. The Trees still feature two or three of their best players that rotate on and off the bench. Dwayne Lathan, Jake Kelly and Aaron Carter.
Coaching
Clear advantage to the Shockers double G is one of the best on the court coaches in Mid-Major basketball. Lansing is looking like he is a solid coach or at least good at playing McKenna's cupboard.

Edge:  I lean towards the Shockers, they have one of the toughest home court advantages in Mid-Major college basketball. They will win 7-9 points.