Iowa State vs. Baylor: Big 12 Showdown Preview
The highly anticipated matchup between the No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones and the No. 25 Baylor Bears is set to take place this Saturday at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. As the Cyclones aim to secure their second top-25 win of the season and move to 2-0 in the Big 12, Baylor is looking to bounce back after a challenging start to their season.
Baylor’s Season So Far
Baylor, once ranked No. 8 in the preseason, has faced tough competition early on, leading to their current ranking of No. 25. Despite a 9-3 record, the Bears have suffered losses to formidable opponents like No. 19 Gonzaga, No. 1 Tennessee, and No. 11 UConn. However, Baylor has also notched significant wins, including a narrow victory over St. John’s and a solid performance against No. 23 Arkansas.
Players to Watch
Leading the charge for Baylor is senior forward Norchad Omier, who averages an impressive 16.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. Omier’s dynamic style of play poses a challenge for the Cyclones. Additionally, freshman guard Robert Wright III has been a key contributor off the bench, averaging 13.1 points and 5.4 assists per game.
Nostalgic Return at Hilton Coliseum
In a special twist, the game will also feature the return of the 1999-2000 and 2000-01 Iowa State men’s basketball teams to Hilton Coliseum. These teams, led by players like Marcus Fizer, Jamaal Tinsley, and Paul Shirley, left a lasting legacy on the program, achieving remarkable success both on the court and in the NBA.
As the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown between two powerhouse programs, fans can expect a thrilling display of talent and determination from both sides. The game will not only showcase elite basketball skills but also pay homage to the rich history and tradition of Iowa State basketball.
So mark your calendars, tune in to CBS at 1 p.m. this Saturday, and witness the excitement unfold at Hilton Coliseum as the Cyclones and the Bears go head-to-head in a battle for Big 12 supremacy. Get ready for a clash of titans that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
