Iowa State Cyclones Aim for Fourth Straight Win Against Colorado

Ames, Iowa — The Iowa State Cyclones are poised to enhance their season as they prepare for a pivotal matchup against the Colorado Buffaloes in men’s Big 12 Conference basketball on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Currently standing with a 20-5 overall record and 10-4 in the league, Iowa State aims to extend their winning streak to four games following an impressive 81-70 victory over Cincinnati this past weekend.

Since a three-game losing streak that began in late January, the Cyclones have rallied with three consecutive wins, showcasing their resilience. Curtis Jones led the team against Cincinnati, scoring 22 points, while Joshua Jefferson contributed with seven rebounds. Additionally, Tamin Lipsey and Milan Momcilovic have played significant roles in the offense, helping the team surpass 80 points for the second time during this winning stretch.

In contrast, the Buffaloes have been struggling this season, holding a record of 10-15 with only one conference win out of 14 attempts (1-13). However, they recently broke a 13-game losing streak with a 76-63 victory over UCF, marking their first league win. Colorado had previously fallen to Iowa State 79-69 earlier in the season during their challenging stretch.

According to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index (BPI), the Cyclones hold a 95 percent chance of winning the upcoming game. Before facing top-ranked teams such as Houston in back-to-back road games, the Cyclones must focus on the Buffaloes first. “We know we need to keep the momentum going, and taking care of business at home is crucial,” said Jones.

The game is set for a 7 p.m. CT tip-off at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, and it will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Iowa State is currently ranked No. 8 nationally, while Colorado is unranked but hopes to harness the energy from their recent win.

This matchup is seen as a potential trap game. Iowa State, favored by 18.5 points, could face unexpected challenges as Colorado looks to build from their recent triumph. Colorado’s head coach Tad Boyle noted, “This team has a lot of heart, and we’re excited to give one of the top teams a run for their money.”

Fans can expect entertaining basketball as Iowa State’s highly revered offense—scoring more than 80 points per game—takes on Colorado’s struggling defense, which ranks last in the Big 12. The Cyclones’ game strategy will aim to exploit this defensive weakness while Colorado seeks to disrupt Iowa State’s rhythm.

With the stakes high, both teams are keenly aware of what this game means. The following details can guide viewers on how to watch Iowa State’s contest against Colorado:
Who: Iowa State vs. Colorado
When: 7 p.m. CT | Tuesday, February 18
Where: Hilton Coliseum | Ames, Iowa
Live Stream: Available on ESPN+
Our Prediction: Iowa State 81, Colorado 71.