Jan 4, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Christian Anderson (4) dribbles the ball around Utah Utes guard Hunter Erickson (0) during the second half at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
No. 3 Iowa State (13-1, 3-0) heads to Lubbock, Texas for a Saturday afternoon showdown with the Texas Tech Red Raiders (11-3, 2-1) at United Supermarkets Arena (1:00 p.m., ESPN).
Cyclones Face Stern Test Against Texas Tech in Lubbock
The Cyclones, riding high on a 10-game winning streak, will put their momentum to the test on Saturday when they face the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena. Iowa State is looking to solidify their place as one of the nation’s top teams. Texas Tech enters the matchup on the back of two impressive road victories and seeks to extend its streak of defeating a top-10 opponents to 11 straight seasons.
Cyclones’ Dominant Run
Iowa State’s 10-game winning streak includes statement victories over conference rivals Colorado, Baylor, and Utah. The Cyclones lead the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 86.3 points per game, and shine at not turning the ball over, committing only 9.6 turnovers per contest. Their +6.2 turnover margin is another Big 12 Conference best.
Curtis Jones has been a sparkplug for Iowa State, leading the team with 16.6 points per game despite coming off the bench. In their recent win over Utah, Jones delivered a 23 point, six assist, and five rebound performance. Preseason All-American point guard Tamin Lipsey is getting back to last season form. He averages 10.5 points and 5.3 assists per game while orchestrating the Cyclones’ offense. Lipsey’s 20-point effort against Utah showed his ability to deliver in crucial moments when the offense is getting stagnate.
Joshua Jefferson, a three-time Big 12 Newcomer of the Week, has been instrumental as well, on both the offensive and defensive end. The former Saint Mary’s standout adds 11.6 points per game and is a defensive force, highlighted by an eight-steal game against Colorado. Iowa State’s depth is further showcased by Keshon Gilbert (16.2 PPG), a mid-season Wooden Award canadate, and Milan Momcilovic (10.7 PPG), making them a multifaceted threat.
Red Raiders’ Home-Court Advantage
Texas Tech returns to Lubbock with confidence after decisive road wins over Utah (93-65) and BYU (72-67). The Red Raiders have been dominant at home, boasting an 8-1 record this season. Historically, they’ve risen to the occasion against elite opponents, including last season’s 79-50 dismantling of No. 6 Kansas.
The Red Raiders lead the Big 12 in shooting efficiency, hitting 51.2% of their field goals and a red hot 39.4% from beyond the arc. They also rank third nationally in effective field goal percentage. Chance McMillian has been lights out from three-point range, leading the nation with a 50% clip (36-for-72). McMillian’s seven-game streak of double-digit scoring includes his recent 16-point outing at BYU.
Darrion Williams, the Big 12 Player of the Week, anchors the Red Raiders’ balanced attack. Averaging 16.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, Williams has scored in double figures in 12 straight games. His playmaking was on full display with a season-high nine assists against Utah. JT Toppin, another key contributor, adds 17.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game and has recorded five double doubles this season. He can get it going offensively in a hurry. The Cyclones will have to keep him at bay.
Keys to the Game
For Iowa State, limiting Texas Tech’s shooting efficiency will be key. The Cyclones’ defensive prowess, led by Jefferson and Lipsey, have been the cornerstone of their success. They rank first in the Big 12 with 9.8 steals per game and will look to disrupt the Red Raiders’ offensive rhythm by creating live ball turnovers.
On the other hand, Texas Tech will aim to exploit its home-court advantage and efficient offense. The Red Raiders’ ability to share the ball—averaging 17.9 assists per game—could challenge Iowa State’s defense, especially when they are in rotations. Elijah Hawkins, fresh off a season-high 22 points at BYU, and Drake transfer Kevin Overton provide additional firepower for Tech off the bench.
The Red Raiders holds a proud tradition of upending top-ranked teams, but victories over Iowa State have been rare when the Cyclones are in the top 10. The Red Raiders’ lone win in such circumstances came in 2015 with a 78-73 victory in Lubbock. Iowa State will look to maintain its dominance in the series and continue its quest for a Big 12 regular season title.
With both teams firing on all cylinders, Saturday’s showdown promises to be a tightly contested battle with game of the year feels written all over it. Iowa State’s depth and defensive acumen may give them a slight edge, but Texas Tech’s home-court advantage and sharpshooting cannot be overlooked. Expect a game that lives up to the billing, with the outcome likely determined in the final minutes.
