Where do the Cyclones stand in the Big 12 race entering Wednesday night’s game?

Jan 8, 2019; Waco, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Talen Horton-Tucker (11) dribbles between Baylor Bears guard Makai Mason (10) and guard Mark Vital (right) during the first half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

While Wednesday night’s game in West Virginia has little impact on the Big 12 title race, it can impact Iowa State’s final standing entering next week’s conference tournament in Kansas City. With a win over the Mountaineers, Iowa State would lock itself into the four-five matchup of the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals.

As of now, the Cyclones are likely to take on Baylor in that game which is scheduled to be the first contest of the day next Thursday with an 11:45 tip time. There is technically a scenario in which Iowa State could take on Kansas in the opening round, but it would take at least one Jayhawks loss this week.

Another matchup with the Bears probably is not ideal on paper considering the way they have been able to physically manhandle the Cyclones in both games the teams played this season, but it would present an opportunity for revenge against Scott Drew and co.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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