The Iowa State Cyclones are gearing up to take on the Houston Cougars in a highly anticipated Big 12 matchup scheduled for Monday, February 19, 2024, at 9:00 p.m. ET at the Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas. The 10th-ranked Cyclones with a record of 20-5 (9-3 CONF) will be facing off against the third-ranked Houston team sitting at 22-3 (9-3 CONF).

Iowa State, led by head coach T. J. Otzelberger, has been on a hot streak with four consecutive victories, including wins over Texas, TCU, Cincinnati, and Texas Tech. The team's standout players such as Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey have been instrumental in their success.

On the other hand, Houston, under the coaching of Kelvin Sampson, is in elite form with a three-game winning streak and an impressive 8-1 record in their last nine games. The Cougars are known for their strong defense, allowing just 86.3 points per 100 possessions, the lowest in the country.

Previously, Iowa State managed to secure a victory over Houston with a score of 57-53, giving them confidence heading into this game. With both teams evenly matched, Iowa State will be looking to capitalize on their road performance and continue their trend of keeping games close.

This showdown promises to be a defensive battle, with Iowa State boasting the third-best defense in the country and Houston leading the defensive rankings. Fans can expect a physical and scrappy game as these two powerhouse teams go head-to-head in what is set to be a thrilling contest.