After a well-timed breather, Iowa State is back on the court and riding the momentum of a four-game win streak. The Cyclones, refreshed and refocused, head west for a two-game swing through Utah, starting with a Saturday night showdown against the Utes.
This isn’t just another road trip-it’s a chance for Iowa State to keep stacking wins, build their tournament résumé, and maybe, just maybe, notch their first-ever win over Utah. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+, and there’s plenty to watch for.
The Engine Behind the Streak
During this four-game run, three names have consistently popped up-and for good reason.
Jada Williams has been the steady hand guiding this offense. Her 44-point outburst against Cincinnati turned heads, but it’s her playmaking that’s been just as crucial.
Over the last four games, she’s averaging 7.25 assists per game, a clear sign that she’s not just scoring-she’s elevating everyone around her. The Arizona transfer has brought a spark, and her nickname “Lil Bullet” fits her style: fast, fearless, and always in motion.
If Iowa State ends up facing Baylor in the postseason, you can bet the Bears will be circling her name on the scouting report.
Then there’s Arrianna Jackson, whose calling card has always been defense-but lately, she’s been making noise on the other end too. Since returning from injury, she’s hit double figures in three of four games and is shooting a scorching 44.1% from three. With the Cyclones’ perimeter shooting coming and going, Jackson’s consistency has been a stabilizing force.
And don’t overlook Evangelia Paulk. With Addy Brown sidelined, Paulk has stepped into a bigger role and brought exactly what Iowa State needed: versatility, length, and defensive energy.
The Wofford transfer is doing the little things-rotating, contesting, switching-and she’s starting to find her rhythm offensively too, hitting 4-of-8 from deep during this stretch. If she keeps letting it fly with confidence, that’s another weapon for a team that’s already clicking.
Utah: Tough to Read, Tough to Beat?
Utah’s been a bit of a mystery lately. After a strong 4-1 start in Big 12 play, they’ve alternated wins and losses over their last six games.
That kind of inconsistency makes them tough to predict-but if you’re into patterns, the Cyclones might be catching them at the right time. Utah won their last game, and if the trend holds, a loss could be next.
Despite a 7-4 conference record, Utah carries a negative point differential, which raises some eyebrows. They’ve struggled to separate from opponents, with their biggest conference win coming by just 10 points.
Iowa State, on the other hand, has five conference wins by double digits. When Utah loses, it hasn’t been close-they’ve dropped games to Baylor and Texas Tech by 16 and 28 points, respectively.
Statistically, the Cyclones have the edge. Iowa State is sitting at No. 32 in the NET rankings compared to Utah’s No.
- That makes this a Quad 2 game for the Cyclones, though it could shift to a Quad 1 loss if Utah continues to climb.
Either way, it’s a meaningful matchup with postseason implications.
Keys to a Cyclone Win
So what does Iowa State need to do to leave Salt Lake City with a win? Here are three areas to watch:
**1. Find a second shooter.
**
Arrianna Jackson can’t do it alone from beyond the arc.
In their win over UCF, the Cyclones went ice cold from deep-Jada Williams, Kenzie Hare, and Sydney Harris combined to shoot just 1-for-19 from three. That’s not going to cut it.
If one of those players can get hot, it’ll stretch the floor and open up space inside for Audi Crooks, who’s a force in the paint when defenders can’t collapse on her.
**2. Start fast.
**
One of the most impressive parts of this win streak?
Iowa State has won the first quarter in all four games. That’s no accident.
They’ve come out aggressive, focused, and ready to dictate the pace. Coming off a break, it’s easy to start slow-but if they can keep that early energy, they’ll put themselves in control early.
**3. Keep clamping down on defense.
**
Defense might not be what Iowa State is known for, but lately, they’ve been getting it done on that end.
Over the last four games, they’ve held every opponent under 70 points. That’s a winning formula, especially when you’ve got the second-best offense in the conference.
If they can continue to disrupt without fouling and force tough shots, they’ll be in a great spot.
This matchup is more than just another conference game-it’s a litmus test. Utah’s a quality opponent with postseason aspirations of their own, and the Cyclones have a real opportunity to prove they belong in the upper tier of the Big 12. If they bring the same energy, execution, and balance they’ve shown during this win streak, they’ll have a strong chance to keep it rolling in Salt Lake City.