Texas Tech Faces Tough Test Against No. 3 Iowa State

LUBBOCK, Texas — The Texas Tech Red Raiders are set to face their toughest challenge of the season as they host the No. 3-ranked Iowa State Cyclones at United Supermarkets Arena on Saturday. The Cyclones, riding a 10-game winning streak, boast top-10 rankings in offensive and defensive efficiency, making them one of the most formidable teams in college basketball.

Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland acknowledged the Cyclones’ strength, particularly their unselfish play and defensive prowess. “I think there’s an unselfishness to their team that you appreciate,” McCasland said. “We’ve got a long way to go in regards to being as tough as they are, but our willingness to practice hard every day and improve is there.”

Iowa State’s balanced attack features five players averaging double-digit scoring, led by Curtis Jones at 16.6 points per game. The Cyclones’ frontcourt, anchored by 6-foot-9 Joshua Jefferson and 6-foot-8 Milan Momcilovic, adds a significant interior presence that complements their high-scoring backcourt.

Offensively, Texas Tech and Iowa State are nearly identical, with the Cyclones averaging 86.3 points per game (10th nationally) and the Red Raiders close behind at 85.5 (12th). However, Iowa State’s defense sets them apart, ranking seventh in turnover margin and ninth in defensive efficiency. Texas Tech, meanwhile, ranks 58th in defensive efficiency, a gap that could prove decisive in Saturday’s matchup.

Texas Tech’s Elijah Hawkins has emerged as a key contributor, showing significant improvement throughout the season. The 5-foot-11 point guard hit 10 three-pointers in recent games against Utah and BYU, adding a new dimension to the Red Raiders’ offense. “I’ve never seen a player make such a drastic in-season improvement,” McCasland said of Hawkins.

Momcilovic, Iowa State’s X-factor, poses a unique challenge for Texas Tech. The 6-foot-8 forward is shooting 43.5% from three this season and can operate both in the post and on the perimeter. His versatility and size advantage could play a pivotal role in the game’s outcome.

For Texas Tech, this game represents an opportunity to prove they belong among the Big 12‘s elite. With a potent offense capable of competing with any team in the country, the Red Raiders’ ability to step up defensively will determine whether they can pull off an upset. “We have the offense to compete,” McCasland said. “But to be taken seriously, we have to win games like this at home.”

Iowa State’s ability to force turnovers and stifle opponents gives them the edge in this matchup. While the game is unlikely to be lopsided, the Cyclones’ defensive dominance could be the difference-maker in a hard-fought contest.