GREENSBORO, N.C. – Iowa State is set to make its 22nd appearance in the NCAA Tournament on Friday, when the No. 6 seed Cyclones face No. 11 seed Pittsburgh.
The Cyclones (19-13 overall (9-9 Big 12)) have never faced the Panthers (23-11 overall (14-6 ACC)) in the postseason.
With a win, Iowa State would face the winner of the game between No. 3 seed Xavier and No. 14 Kennesaw State. The second round game would be held on Sunday, March 19.
Iowa State is playing in its 22nd NCAA Tournament in school history as the No. 6 seed as part of the Midwest Region.
The Cyclones own a 14-7 all-time record in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Pittsburgh’s leading scorer, Blake Hinson, was a member of the Iowa State basketball team in 2020-21. Hinson missed the season due to a continuing medical condition, unrelated to CoVID-19. Hinson left the team prior to the start of last season.
The Cyclones and Panthers share common opponents in West Virginia and North Carolina. ISU was swept by WVU, while the Panthers lost 81-56.
in the Backyard Brawl. ISU beat then No. 1 North Carolina 70-65 in the PKI Semifinals, while Pitt earned a pair of one-possession victories over the Tar Heels on Dec. 30 (76-74) and Feb. 1 (65- 64).
Pittsburgh’s Jamarius Burton scored nine points on 4-of-8 shooting, including 1-of-5 from 3-point range, while at Texas Tech against the Cyclones on Jan. 9, 2021 in Hilton Coliseum.
