GAME NOTES: The stage is set for this season's annual Corn-Cy Hawk Series, as the Iowa State Cyclones and Iowa Hawkeyes meet for state bragging rights at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Fred Hoiberg's Cyclones are coming off of an 83-72 decision over Florida Gulf Coast, which improved their record to 6-2. Iowa State's only two losses came against nationally-ranked opponents Cincinnati and UNLV, but it has picked up double-digit victories in its other six competitions. The Cyclones are a threat to scorch the nets with outside shooting every night as they average 82.5 ppg and 9.5 makes from downtown per contest.

Iowa is just a shade better with a 7-2 mark through nine games. Fran McCaffery's squad is coming off of an 87-63 rout of South Dakota, which was its second win in a row. The Hawkeyes only losses came to Wichita State and Virginia Tech, both of which were played away from home. Iowa is outscoring its opponents by an average of 12.8 ppg this season.

Iowa holds a 42-23 advantage in a series that began with a 30-27 Hawkeye win back in 1910. However, Iowa State has won the last three meetings, two of which took place at home.

The Cyclones showed they cannot be given any room on the perimeter the last time out against FGCU. Iowa State knocked down 13-of-25 attempts from beyond the arc, but also showed toughness on the inside by holding a 37-31 edge in the rebounding battle. Korie Lucious stood out by drilling five 3-pointers on his way to a team-high 17 points, which he accompanied with nine assists. Melvin Ejim registered a double-double with 14 points and 12 boards and Tyrus McGee was a spark off the bench with 16 points and seven rebounds. Will Clyburn is the team's leading scorer with 16.1 ppg, while McGee (14.3) and Ejim (11) rank second and third, respectively.

Iowa managed to run past South Dakota for a 24-point win despite converting only 2-of-16 attempts from three-point range. The Hawkeyes did their work at the charity stripe, where they drained 17-of-19 attempts. Aaron White tied his season-high with 21 points and Roy Devyn Marble finished the contest with 14 points and eight rebounds, making it the ninth time he has reached double figures this season. Devyn Marble leads the team with 14.4 ppg and 3.4 apg, while White is close behind with 13.7 ppg.

Although Iowa has the home court advantage, it will have trouble stopping the incoming Cyclones' 3-point shooting storm. Rivalry games usually yield close, hard-fought games. It will be very difficult for ISU to come in and completely control matters. If the Hawkeyes find their 3-point shooting stroke, they may be able to pull off the minor upset.

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