Iowa State men’s basketball team faces an important rematch against their rival Kansas on Saturday, Feb. 14, at Hilton Coliseum, after suffering a setback in their last outing. Following a disappointing road loss to TCU, which broke their five-game winning streak, the Cyclones (21-3, 8-3 Big 12 Conference) are eager to bounce back. The game is scheduled for noon CT and will be broadcast on ABC.
In their previous matchup on January 13, Iowa State was defeated by Kansas with a score of 84-63. Kansas (19-5, 9-2), freshly invigorated from an impressive victory against unbeaten Arizona, winning 82-78 on Feb. 9, enters this game with significant momentum.
One major talking point for the Jayhawks continues to be freshman Darryn Peterson, who has emerged as a standout talent and a potential top contender for the 2026 NBA Draft. Averaging 20.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, Peterson has been key in Kansas’s recent success. Though he missed the game against Arizona due to illness, his performance this season suggests he could play a crucial role in the upcoming rematch. Kansas has demonstrated resilience, securing wins even when Peterson was not available.
As for Iowa State, they will need to address their offensive struggles, particularly after being held to a season-low 55 points against TCU. The team faced issues with execution, shooting 36.9% from the floor in their last game while struggling to find quality shots. After falling behind early in their first matchup against Kansas, the Cyclones must work on their defensive strategies to keep the game competitive.
The Cyclones need to improve their three-point shooting, having registered below 29% from beyond the arc in their last two games, and will look to find rhythm against a Kansas team that excels defensively. The Jayhawks boast the best opposing field goal percentage in the Big 12, anchored by big man Flory Bidunga, who dominated their first matchup.
This rematch is vital not only for Iowa State’s standings but also to assess their potential as the regular season progresses. Following the encounter with Kansas, the Cyclones face a challenging schedule, including games against several ranked teams, which will offer insights into their postseason readiness.
As anticipation builds for this rivalry game, many expect Iowa State to regroup and assert themselves on their home court, where they have remained undefeated this season. The matchup promises to be an exciting one, with both teams eager to stake their claims in the Big 12 race.