As the college basketball season races toward its conclusion, Iowa State is gearing up for a pivotal matchup against Texas Tech. With just one home game left before March, the Cyclones are set to host the Red Raiders at Hilton Coliseum on Saturday, Feb. 28, with tip-off at 3 p.m. CT on CBS.
Currently ranked No. 5, Iowa State (24-4, 11-4 Big 12) is locked in a four-way tie for second place in the Big 12 alongside No.
16 Texas Tech (21-7, 11-4), Houston, and Kansas. All are chasing first-place Arizona.
The Cyclones come into this clash on the heels of a 75-59 victory over Utah, while Texas Tech rides the momentum of consecutive double-digit wins against Kansas State and Cincinnati, most recently defeating the Bearcats 80-68.
This marks the sole regular-season meeting between these two teams, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown. Here are three keys to watch:
Texas Tech's Adaptation Post-Toppin Injury
Texas Tech has faced a significant challenge following the injury to their star, JT Toppin. After a standout performance against Arizona, Toppin suffered a torn ACL against Arizona State. Despite his absence, the Red Raiders have managed to regroup, securing back-to-back wins, but Saturday's game against Iowa State will be their toughest test yet.
Christian Anderson has stepped up in Toppin's absence, evolving from a bench player to a key starter. His recent performance against Cincinnati, with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, highlights his growing influence. Anderson is averaging 19.6 points and leads the Big 12 with 7.7 assists per game.
Additionally, Donovan Atwell and LeJuan Watts have become crucial contributors. Atwell is a consistent scoring threat from beyond the arc, while Watts has found his rhythm, averaging 12.2 points and 6.0 rebounds. Luke Bamgboye, now a starter, adds defensive strength with his shot-blocking prowess.
Iowa State's Defensive and Rebounding Strategy
Despite missing Toppin, Texas Tech's offense remains potent, scoring 180 points in their last two games. They’ve shot over 51% from the field and 40% from three-point range, while dominating the boards with double-digit rebounding margins.
For Iowa State, winning the battle on the boards is crucial. The Cyclones can’t afford to give Texas Tech extra possessions.
Defensively, they must disrupt the Red Raiders’ rhythm and force turnovers. While Texas Tech generally takes care of the ball, Anderson has shown vulnerability, with high-turnover games against Cincinnati and Arizona State.
Capitalizing on these opportunities will be key for Iowa State.
Preserving the Perfect Record at Hilton Coliseum
Iowa State's home dominance is on the line, with a perfect 15-0 record at Hilton Coliseum this season. A win against Texas Tech would pave the way for a potential 17-0 finish at home, marking their second undefeated home season in three years.
Looking ahead, Arizona State will be the final home opponent, but Texas Tech poses the last major challenge. If the Cyclones maintain their focus, they have a strong chance to continue their home winning streak.
Prediction
With JT Toppin sidelined, Iowa State has a more manageable task at hand. While Christian Anderson is sure to challenge the Cyclones, Iowa State's depth and home-court advantage should ultimately lead them to victory.
Expect a close contest until the Cyclones pull away for a decisive win. Prediction: Iowa State 81, Texas Tech 70.