No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones Set to Face Colorado Buffaloes in Big 12 Opener
The highly-anticipated Big 12 portion of the schedule is finally here for the No. 3 ranked Iowa State Cyclones, and they are set to kick it off with a bang against a familiar opponent – the Colorado Buffaloes. This matchup is not just any regular game; it’s a rivalry renewed as the Buffaloes are back in the Big 12 after spending 13 seasons in the now-defunct Pac-12 conference.
The last time these two teams met was on Nov. 27 in the fifth-place game at the Maui Invitational, where the Cyclones emerged victorious with a dominant 99-71 win. However, that game did not count towards the conference record as it was a pre-planned non-conference matchup due to the Buffaloes rejoining the Big 12.
In that game, the Cyclones showcased their offensive prowess with six players scoring 10 points or more, led by Milan Momcilovic with 24 points. On the other side, Colorado’s Julian Hammond III and Andrej Jakimovski put up a solid fight, scoring 20 and 18 points respectively.
Since their last meeting in Maui, both teams have been on a winning streak. Iowa State went 5-0 in their non-conference games, while Colorado secured a notable 72-55 victory over in-state rival Colorado State. With both teams in top form, this upcoming game promises to be a thrilling contest.
Home Advantage for Colorado
The game will take place in Boulder, giving the Buffaloes a significant home advantage. Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger recognizes the importance of defensive focus on the road, especially against a team like Colorado that remains undefeated at home.
History Repeats Itself
The last time these two teams faced off on the road was in the 2010-11 season, where the Buffaloes emerged victorious. This season, they are scheduled to meet three times, adding an extra layer of excitement to the rivalry.
Increased Importance of Big 12 Schedule
With the new 20-game Big 12 schedule, every game becomes even more crucial for teams aiming for success in the conference. Iowa State will face tough competition throughout the season, including matchups against Arizona, Kansas, Kansas State, and UCF.
As the Cyclones gear up to take on the Buffaloes in what promises to be a thrilling matchup, college basketball fans can expect an intense battle between two powerhouse teams. Be sure to tune in at 8 p.m. on Monday to catch all the action live on the CBS Sports Network.
