A lot of attention remains on the Big 12 and especially that handful of teams that make up the top tier in this league. As has been the case often here late in the season, two of those elite teams face off in an important matchup as Texas Tech and Iowa State matchup for the first time this season. This matchup has lost a little of its luster but should still provide exciting basketball from Ames.
We spoke of lost luster because of what’s happened at Texas Tech (21-7), as the Red Raiders are adjusting to life without their star forward JT Toppin. The Red Raiders did get a great upset win at Arizona in the game where Toppin was injured and remain in great position in the Big 12 and national standing. However, things are very different without their star, even though the offense has looked great in big home wins over the last week.
You won’t find any sympathy from an Iowa State (24-4) that just wants to keep winning games and try to stay pace in a difficult Big 12 title race. The Cyclones don’t just have their full complement of players, but T. J. Otzelberger’s squad also gets to play one of their final home games. All four of their losses this season have come on the road and this team has simply looked different at Hilton in front of their faithful, including recent home wins over Kansas and Houston.
Texas Tech vs. Iowa State: When and Where
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 4:00 pm ET…