The highly anticipated matchup between Iowa State and West Virginia is set to take place at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, on January 2, 2026, at 8 p.m. CT. This game marks the beginning of the Big 12 conference season for both teams.
Iowa State’s Dominance
Iowa State enters the game with an impressive record of 13-0. The Cyclones recently secured a victory against Houston Christian, marking their 42nd consecutive non-conference home win, a school record. If Iowa State achieves victory against West Virginia, it will tie for the best start in program history at 14 wins.
Current Rankings and Player Highlights
- Rank: Iowa State is currently ranked No. 3 in the AP Top 25 Poll.
- Streak: The team has been ranked for 40 consecutive weeks, the fifth-longest current streak in the nation.
- Player Recognition:
- Tamin Lipsey is on several prestigious watch lists, including the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year.
- Milan Momcilovic recently earned Big 12 Player of the Week honors.
- Joshua Jefferson has also been recognized for his performances, with two Big 12 Player of the Week accolades this season.
West Virginia’s Challenges
West Virginia, sporting a 9-4 record, enters the matchup after a significant 10-day rest period since beating Mississippi Valley State by 35 points. However, the Mountaineers face a tough challenge, having only won 1 of their 5 games against Power Conference teams this season.
Coaching Changes and Defensive Strength
Under the direction of new head coach Ross Hodge, West Virginia aims to improve. Hodge has a record of 9-4 since taking over the program, previously coaching at North Texas. His team relies on a strong defensive strategy, ranking fifth nationally with an average of 60.2 points allowed per game.
Both Iowa State and West Virginia boast strong defenses, with Iowa State ranking 10th by allowing 63.0 points per game. The upcoming game will showcase the defensive capabilities of both teams, making it a highly competitive matchup.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
This game will be the 26th meeting between Iowa State and West Virginia, with the Mountaineers holding a 15-10 advantage historically. The last 25 games have all been played within the Big 12 framework, intensifying the rivalry. With Iowa State aiming for a tie with the best start in program history and West Virginia trying to establish momentum, this matchup promises to be engaging.
As both teams prepare for this important game, fans can look forward to an exciting kickoff to the Big 12 conference play, highlighting talent, strategy, and team resilience.
