Kansas vs. Iowa State: Big 12 Heavyweights Set for Showdown in Ames
The Kansas Jayhawks are heading into the lion’s den this weekend - Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa - for a high-stakes Big 12 clash with the surging Iowa State Cyclones. Tipoff is set for noon on Saturday, and if recent history is any indication, this one’s going to be a battle.
How to Watch:
- 📺 TV: ABC
- 📻 Radio: WHB (810 AM) in Kansas City; ESPN Wichita (92.3 FM)
Projected Starters
Kansas (19-5, 9-2 Big 12)
- F - Flory Bidunga (6-10, Soph.) - 14.9 PPG
- F - Bryson Tiller (6-11, Fr.) - 9.0 PPG
- G - Tre White (6-7, Sr.) - 14.2 PPG
- G - Melvin Council Jr. (6-4, Sr.) - 14.1 PPG
- G - Darryn Peterson (6-6, Fr.) - 20.5 PPG
Iowa State (21-3, 8-3 Big 12)
- F - Blake Buchanan (6-10, Jr.) - 8.2 PPG
- F - Milan Momcilovic (6-8, Jr.) - 18.4 PPG
- F - Joshua Jefferson (6-9, Sr.) - 17.0 PPG
- G - Killyan Toure (6-3, Fr.) - 9.6 PPG
- G - Tamin Lipsey (6-1, Sr.) - 13.3 PPG
Kansas: A Familiar Force with Something to Prove
The Jayhawks are no strangers to tough environments, but Hilton Coliseum has been a recent thorn in their side. Kansas has dropped its last three games in Ames, and while they still hold a commanding 191-69 edge in the all-time series, this one carries some extra weight.
Freshman phenom Darryn Peterson continues to look like the real deal. He’s landed a spot on the Wooden Award late-midseason top 20 watch list - a nod that puts him in elite company alongside former Jayhawk greats like Danny Manning and Frank Mason III. His 20.5 points per game lead the team and set the tone for a Kansas offense that’s shown flashes of dominance.
Flory Bidunga, the sophomore big man, has been a defensive anchor. He’s recorded multiple blocks in 19 games this season, and when he’s protecting the rim and grabbing boards, Kansas becomes a much tougher out. The Jayhawks are undefeated (11-0) when they pull down 40 or more rebounds and a perfect 10-0 when scoring at least 80 points.
Bill Self’s squad has been tested all year - and passed many of those tests. Kansas is 5-3 against ranked opponents, including wins over No.
1 Arizona and No. 2 Iowa State.
That kind of resume doesn’t just look good on Selection Sunday - it speaks to the toughness and talent of this group.
With a 9-2 conference record, Kansas is once again in the thick of the Big 12 title race. This marks the 14th time in Self’s 23 seasons that KU has started league play 9-2 or better.
The Jayhawks are also sitting at No. 13 in the NET rankings, with seven Quad 1 wins - tied for second-most in the Big 12 and fourth nationally. And their strength of schedule?
Ranked No. 3 in the country, tops in the conference.
Iowa State: Hilton Magic Is Alive and Well
If Kansas is walking into a tough environment, it’s because Iowa State has made Hilton Coliseum a fortress. The Cyclones have won 13 straight at home - the eighth-longest streak in the building’s storied history - and they’ve been nearly unbeatable in Ames this season.
Since falling to Kansas back on January 13 in Lawrence, the Cyclones have gone 5-2, showing resilience and a renewed focus. Their 84.6 points per game and +19.8 scoring margin tell the story of a team that doesn’t just win - it overwhelms. That scoring margin ranks second in the Big 12 and sixth nationally.
Milan Momcilovic is the offensive engine, averaging 18.4 points per game and leading the team in scoring. When he’s hot from deep, Iowa State becomes a different animal. The Cyclones are 48-11 when he hits multiple threes in a game, and his nine games with five or more triples this season are not just a school record - they lead the country.
Joshua Jefferson brings consistency and versatility. He’s scored in double figures in 30 straight games and nearly posted a triple-double in Tuesday’s loss at TCU, finishing with 12 points, nine assists, and eight boards. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways gives Iowa State a steadying presence.
Tamin Lipsey, a senior who’s started 124 games - tied for third-most in program history - is the floor general. He’s a product of nearby Ames High School and embodies the Cyclones’ identity: tough, smart, and unafraid of the moment.
Under T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State has taken a major leap forward.
Now in his fifth season, Otzelberger has racked up 116 wins, becoming the fastest coach in program history to reach the century mark. His 27 victories over Top 25 opponents are also the most in Cyclone history.
The Cyclones lead the Big 12 in several key categories: assists per game (18.5), steals (9.1), 3-point shooting (39.9%), and turnovers forced (15.5). That’s a recipe for chaos - and they thrive in it.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just another Saturday in February. It’s a top-10 showdown with Big 12 title implications and potential NCAA Tournament seeding on the line. Kansas already owns a decisive 84-63 win over Iowa State, but doing it in Allen Fieldhouse is one thing - doing it in Ames is another.
The Jayhawks are trying to break a three-game skid at Hilton, while the Cyclones are looking to avenge their worst loss of the season and extend their home win streak. Both teams are loaded with talent, well-coached, and playing with purpose.
Come Saturday, expect a physical, high-energy battle between two teams built to go deep in March. The only guarantee? Hilton Coliseum will be rocking, and the Big 12 race will be one step closer to clarity.