Iowa State's men's basketball team is gearing up for an exciting start to the 2026-27 season, as they head back to the Sanford Pentagon. The Cyclones are set to face Memphis in a neutral-site showdown in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on November 2. While the tip-off time and TV details are still under wraps, the anticipation is already building.
The Cyclones have fond memories of their last visit to Sioux Falls, where they triumphed over Mississippi State with a commanding 96-80 victory. Coach T.J. Otzelberger expressed his enthusiasm, noting the first-class experience they had and looking forward to another thrilling matchup against Memphis.
This upcoming game marks only the second meeting between Iowa State and Memphis. The Cyclones came out on top in their first encounter, with a decisive 78-59 win back in 2021 during Otzelberger's inaugural year as head coach.
As Iowa State enters the Big 12 Tournament with a strong 25-6 record, they're riding high on momentum. On the other hand, Memphis is looking to bounce back from a challenging season, standing at 13-18 as they head into the AAC Tournament. It's a stark contrast from their impressive 29-8 finish in the 2024-25 season, making this game a potential turning point for the Tigers.
Fans are in for a treat as these two teams clash, setting the stage for an exciting season opener.