The Kansas Jayhawks are gearing up for a tough road clash against the formidable Iowa State Cyclones at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa on Saturday afternoon. Coach Bill Self and his team are fully aware of the defensive prowess of their opponents and are ready to face the challenge head-on.

The Jayhawks' recent game against Cincinnati showcased the breakout performance of freshman guard Johnny Furphy, who impressed with his scoring ability. However, the rest of the team struggled offensively, shooting below their average percentages. All-American candidates Kevin McCullar Jr. and Hunter Dickinson faced challenges against Cincinnati's tough defense, resulting in inefficient shooting and fouls.

As Kansas prepares to face Iowa State, they are aware of the Cyclones' defensive strength. The Cyclones have established themselves as one of the top defensive teams in the Big 12 and the country, holding opponents to an average of 61.1 points per game and forcing turnovers at an impressive rate of 18.5 per game.

Coach Self recognizes the toughness of the Cyclones, attributing their defensive prowess to their coach T.J. Otzelberger and point guard Tamin Lipsey. Self emphasizes the importance of ball control and limiting turnovers against Iowa State, as they are known for capitalizing on opponents' mistakes to gain an early advantage.

Lipsey, who leads the Cyclones in steals per game, missed a recent game due to a sprained shoulder but returned to help Iowa State secure a victory over Kansas State. Alongside Lipsey, Keshon Gilbert and Milan Momcilovic contribute to the Cyclones' backcourt strength, with Gilbert averaging 13.6 points per game and Momcilovic displaying a sharp shooting touch from beyond the arc.

Despite the challenges they face, the Jayhawks have some advantages to work with. Iowa State does not heavily rely on three-point shooting and struggles with rebounding as a team. This could provide an opportunity for Kansas to improve their rebounding performance, which has been lacking in their recent games.

The upcoming game holds significance for both teams, as Kansas aims to secure a critical victory against a formidable conference rival. The Jayhawks will need to be locked in and prepared for a tough battle at Hilton Coliseum, a venue where they suffered a decisive loss last season.

As Kansas continues to develop their promising young players like Furphy, they are also focused on improving defensive tactics. Furphy, in particular, is working on his perimeter defense, knowing that opponents often target him when he is switched onto guards. Coach Self believes that as Furphy gains strength and learns to gauge his defensive spacing, he can become a valuable on-ball defender.

The Jayhawks are also managing minor injuries to key players like Dickinson and McCullar, with hopes that a lengthier rest period will allow them to recuperate before the game against Iowa State.

Overall, Kansas is approaching this matchup with a serious mindset, aware of the challenges presented by Iowa State's defensive prowess. They are determined to execute their game plan effectively and secure an important victory on the road.

The game against Iowa State promises to be an intense defensive battle, where both teams will showcase their strengths and fight for a vital win in the highly competitive Big 12 conference.