Iowa State, UCF Gear Up for Key Big 12 Matchups This Saturday

Ames, Iowa — Iowa State University men’s basketball will aim to break its three-game losing streak this Saturday as it faces Texas Christian University (TCU) in a Big 12 Conference matchup at Hilton Coliseum. The game, scheduled to tip off at 11 a.m. CT, will also feature ESPN‘s ‘College GameDay‘ on site, a testament to the matchup’s significance.

The Cyclones, sporting a 17-5 overall record and a 7-4 conference standing, are fighting to regain their momentum after struggling in recent weeks. Coach T.J. Otzelberger emphasized the need for his team to rediscover its focus. ‘We need to get back to playing Iowa State basketball,’ he said during a press conference earlier this week.

Meanwhile, TCU, with a 12-10 record overall and 5-6 in the Big 12, has shown signs of improvement, recently achieving back-to-back home victories over West Virginia and Colorado. Coach Jamie Dixon noted, ‘We’re building confidence, and every game is crucial as we look to improve our position in the standings.’

In a notable twist, this matchup is a crucial moment for both teams, particularly for the Cyclones, who are more focused than ever on recovering from their recent adversity. A win against TCU could rejuvenate their aspirations for a strong finish to the season.

Across the conference, UCF will face a challenging test against Baylor in Waco, Texas. The Knights, currently holding a 13-9 overall record and a 4-7 conference mark, are looking to turn around their fortunes following a tough homestand that included consecutive losses.

Set to begin at 2 p.m. CT, UCF’s matchup comes with high stakes, as both ESPN and CBS have the Knights positioned among the first four teams out of the NCAA tournament field as of Friday morning. UCF’s current NET ranking sits at 68. Coach Johnny Dawkins emphasized the importance of securing a Quad 1 road victory against a formidable opponent like Baylor, a former national champion. ‘Every win matters at this stage,’ he remarked.

Baylor enters the game with a record of 14-8 and a 6-5 mark in the conference, coming off a strong performance against Kansas. Their offensive prowess has been underscored by their fourth-ranked three-point shooting percentage in the Big 12, along with Norchad Omier averaging a double-double this season.

As both Iowa State and UCF prepare to take the court, their respective matchups represent crucial turning points in their seasons. Every game from here on out holds immense significance as teams vie for coveted positions in the NCAA tournament.