The Kansas Jayhawks, with a 19-5 overall record and 9-2 mark in the Big 12, travel to Ames to take on the 21-3 Iowa State Cyclones, who have a 8-3 conference record, in a game that could have real consequences for the tournament seeding of both teams. Iowa State's 5-3 Quad 1 record and 9-0 Quad 2 record have them well-positioned, but a win over Kansas, who has a 7-5 Quad 1 record, would further solidify their resume. With both teams boasting top-16 seed potential, this matchup is crucial, especially considering Kansas's recent 3-game win streak.
Iowa State Cyclones Have Held Opponents to 60 Points or Less 10 Times This Season
The game is scheduled for February 14, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET, and will be played at the Hilton Coliseum, with the TV channel and streaming information to be announced. Fans can catch the action live, as these two Big 12 powerhouses clash in a battle that could sway the conference standings, with Iowa State currently sitting at 8-3 and Kansas at 9-2 in conference play.
The Kansas Jayhawks have been impressive this season, with a 19-5 overall record and a 9-2 mark in the Big 12, earning them a 13th spot in the NET rankings. Their 7-5 Quad 1 record is a reflection of their ability to compete with the best teams, and their recent 3-game win streak has them feeling confident. Kansas has been led by their strong offense, which averages 78.5 points per game, and their defense, which allows just 65.2 points per game. With a +13.3 point differential, the Jayhawks are a force to be reckoned with, and their 6-0 Quad 2 record and 4-0 Quad 4 record demonstrate their ability to take care of business against lesser opponents.
Key Matchups
The Iowa State Cyclones have been one of the most impressive teams in the country, boasting a 21-3 overall record and an 8-3 mark in the Big 12. Their 7th spot in the NET rankings is well-deserved, given their 5-3 Quad 1 record and 9-0 Quad 2 record. The Cyclones have been on a roll, with a recent win streak that was snapped by a loss, but they've since bounced back with a win, demonstrating their resilience. Iowa State's offense has been clicking, averaging 82.1 points per game, while their defense has been stingy, allowing just 63.5 points per game. With a +18.6 point differential, the Cyclones are a formidable opponent, and their 7-0 Quad 4 record shows they can dominate weaker teams.
The matchup between Kansas and Iowa State will be a clash of styles, with the Jayhawks' offense, which averages 78.5 points per game, facing off against the Cyclones' defense, which allows just 63.5 points per game. Iowa State's 5-3 Quad 1 record suggests they can hang with the best teams, and their 9-0 Quad 2 record indicates they can take care of business against lesser opponents. Kansas, on the other hand, has a 7-5 Quad 1 record, demonstrating their ability to compete with top teams. The pace of the game matters, as Kansas averages 72.1 possessions per game, while Iowa State averages 69.5 possessions per game. The CHD Scout prediction has Iowa State winning by 10.4 points, with an 81.1% win probability, suggesting the Cyclones have a significant edge in this matchup.
CHD Scout Prediction
Kansas
69
Iowa State
79
For Kansas, players like Jalen Wilson, who averages 17.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, and Gradey Dick, who averages 14.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, matters in this matchup. Iowa State, on the other hand, will rely on players like Jaren Holmes, who averages 13.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, and , who averages 10.3 points and 4.2 assists per game. With no notable player momentum data available, it's difficult to say who's hot or cold, but these players will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the outcome of the game.
Tournament Stakes
The CHD Scout prediction has Iowa State winning by 10.4 points, with an 81.1% win probability, suggesting the Cyclones have a significant edge in this matchup. This prediction is based on a variety of factors, including the teams' respective NET rankings, quad records, and recent form. With Iowa State's strong defense and Kansas's potent offense, this game is shaping up to be a thrilling clash of styles.
This game has real consequences for the tournament seeding of both teams. A win for Iowa State would further solidify their position on the top-16 seed line, while a loss could drop them to the 5-seed line. For Kansas, a win would be a significant boost to their resume, potentially moving them up to the 3-seed line, while a loss would keep them firmly on the 4-seed line. With both teams boasting strong quad records, this game is a Quad 1 matchup for both teams, making it a crucial contest in the context of the tournament selection process.