Second-ranked Iowa State heads to West Virginia for a crucial Big 12 matchup, aiming to extend their impressive winning streak. The Cyclones have been dominant at home but now face the challenge of maintaining that momentum on the road. The game is set for Saturday afternoon with a scheduled tip-off at 4 p.m. CT and will be streamed on ESPN+.

The Cyclones are riding high after securing 12 consecutive victories, bringing their overall record to 15-1 and an unblemished 5-0 in conference play. Their recent triumph over Kansas, with a decisive 74-57 win, has further bolstered their confidence. In contrast, the Mountaineers have had a mixed performance since their opening conference win against Kansas. They currently stand at 12-4 overall and 3-2 in Big 12 play, following a setback against Houston.

West Virginia's defensive prowess will be a significant test for the Cyclones. Under first-year head coach Darian DeVries, the Mountaineers have already surpassed last season's win total. Despite inconsistent offense due to injuries, their defense remains formidable. Ranked 22nd in defensive efficiency by KenPom, they excel at perimeter defense and forcing turnovers. Senior center Eduardo Andre adds strength as a rim protector, averaging nearly two blocks per game. This defensive solidity was evident in their narrow victory over Kansas and a low-scoring game against Oklahoma State.

The stage is set for a showdown between two of the Big 12's leading scorers: West Virginia's Javon Small and Iowa State's Curtis Jones. Small leads the conference with an average of 19.4 points per game, showcasing versatility as both a scorer and playmaker. Jones, meanwhile, has been on fire recently, scoring 20 or more points in four of his last five games. His performance earned praise from Kansas coach Bill Self, who likened him to a "first-team All-American."

Iowa State seeks its first win in Morgantown since 2015, marking a significant milestone. The Cyclones broke a long-standing road losing streak at Texas Tech last weekend, raising hopes for another breakthrough. Since their last victory at WVU Coliseum, Iowa State has undergone coaching changes and struggled with an 0-8 record in Morgantown. With only Tamin Lipsey remaining from the previous visit, the team aims to avoid repeating past disappointments and continue their remarkable run.

As the Cyclones prepare for this pivotal contest, the focus remains on leveraging their current form while navigating the challenges posed by a resilient Mountaineers squad. A win in Morgantown would not only solidify Iowa State's standing in the Big 12 but also underscore their potential as serious contenders in the broader college basketball landscape.