Iowa State, ranked No. 2 in the AP Top 25 Poll, is set to face Cincinnati in an exciting matchup on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The game will take place at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio, with tip-off scheduled for 1 p.m. CT. Fans can catch the action on Peacock and NBC Sports Network, with commentary from Eric Rothman and Brendan Haywood, while the Cyclone Radio Network will feature John Walters and Eric Heft.
The Cyclones are looking to rebound after suffering their first loss of the season against Kansas, where their shooting dipped to 36.9%. Despite the setback, Iowa State boasts a strong overall record of 16-1 and a 3-1 mark in Big 12 play. They have been a dominant force in the league, maintaining a rank in the AP Top 25 for 42 consecutive weeks, marking the fifth-longest streak nationally.
Cincinnati, entering this game with a 9-8 record and a 1-3 conference standing, comes off a significant win against Colorado, which was their first victory in Big 12 competition this season. This win may provide them with the momentum they need against the formidable Cyclones, particularly after narrowly losing their first three conference games by a total of just ten points.
Iowa State has seen remarkable individual performances this season, with three players earning spots on the Naismith Starting Five Preseason Watch lists—Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic, and Joshua Jefferson. Lipsey, recognized for his skills as a point guard, is also on the Wooden Award and Oscar Robertson Trophy watch lists, demonstrating his impact on the court. Meanwhile, Momcilovic has already earned accolades for his excellent performance in crucial games, including a standout display against the then-No. 1 Purdue, where he was named Big 12 Player of the Week.
Head coach T.J. Otzelberger has led Iowa State to impressive heights, achieving a remarkable 210-109 overall record and overseeing a strong 111-46 record in his past four seasons. Notably, he became the fastest coach in Iowa State’s history to record 100 wins, a testament to his effective leadership and coaching acumen.
As Iowa State prepares to face Cincinnati, they aim not only to recover from their recent defeat but also to solidify their status as a top contender in the Big 12. With their robust roster and a coach who continually drives the team to greater success, the Cyclones are poised for an engaging showdown against the Bearcats, making this matchup one to watch.