Iowa State takes on college basketball’s biggest surprise tonight (Tuesday night), when the 12th ranked Cyclones host number five Kansas State. Picked to finish last in the Big 12 preseason poll the Wildcats are 17-2 overall and lead the Big 12 with a 6-1 mark. The combination of Keyantae Johnson and Markquis Nowell averaged more than 35 points per game for K-State and Nowell averages more than eight assists per game.

That’s Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger who says Johnson can score down low and also step out.

Otzelberger says ever night is a challenge in the Big 12.

Iowa State senior guard Caleb Grill may miss tonight’s game with a back injury.  Coach Otzelberger says the injury occurred in last week’s win over Texas and resurfaced in Saturday’s loss at Oklahoma State. Grill played just 17 minutes and only attempted one shot.

The Cyclones have been without forward Jaz Kunc with a broken finger but have still managed to start 5-2 in Big 12 play.

If Grill is out senior guard Jaren Holmes my be counted on for a larger roll. He can play the point or off guard.

Grill averages nearly 10 and-a-half points per game and is ISU’s top three point shooter at better than 37 percent.