**Iowa State Women’s Basketball Eyes Redemption vs Cincinnati in Home Matchup**
Key Takeaways:
- Iowa State women’s basketball team faces Cincinnati on Jan. 24 at Hilton Coliseum
- The Cyclones are currently No. 24 in the AP poll despite a five-game losing streak
- This matchup is a rematch after Iowa State lost to Cincinnati 71-63 earlier this month
Ames, Iowa — The Iowa State women’s basketball team returns to the court tonight against Cincinnati in a pivotal Big 12 matchup, as the Cyclones seek to snap a five-game losing streak that has threatened their top-25 status. Scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT at Hilton Coliseum, the contest has surged in online searches with fans eager to tune in and see if coach Bill Fennelly’s squad can reverse course before postseason prospects dim.
A Critical Midseason Rematch at a Turning Point
The spotlight is back on the No. 24 Iowa State Cyclones (14-5 overall, 2-5 Big 12) as they host conference opponent Cincinnati (7-12, 2-5) on Wednesday evening. The matchup is a rematch of their January 7 contest, where the Bearcats stunned Iowa State with a 71-63 win — a loss that began the Cyclones’ five-game skid. Despite their recent struggles, Iowa State continues to appear in national rankings, a testament to their earlier-season form and quality of play.
Tonight is particularly significant as it’s a chance for redemption in front of a home crowd at Hilton Coliseum, where Iowa State typically plays strongly. Fans can watch the game live on ESPN+. With Big 12 standings growing tighter and NCAA tournament resumes under increasing scrutiny, every game now carries heavy weight, especially for ranked programs that may slip out of contention.
Falling Momentum After Strong Start
The Cyclones’ season started with considerable promise, and by the end of December, the team had compiled a 13-0 home record and looked like a legitimate conference contender. The last win came on December 31 in an 80-62 road victory over Houston. Since then, the team has dropped five straight, including losses to Big 12 rivals like Kansas and Texas. Concerningly, these losses haven’t just come against elite programs — the January 7 defeat to Cincinnati marked a particularly disappointing result against a lower-tier conference team.
This recent slide has been compounded by injuries, the most notable being to rising freshman guard Arianna Jackson, who went down with a knee injury. With limited bench depth and ongoing roster adjustments, Fennelly has struggled to find consistent rotations. Offensively, the Cyclones have seen a dip in three-point shooting accuracy — a major tenet of their usual playing style.
What’s at Stake for Iowa State Moving Forward
Losing tonight would raise serious questions about Iowa State’s ability to stabilize in the second half of conference play. Already, their 2-5 Big 12 record places them in the lower half of the standings, and continued losses will threaten their top-25 status. More importantly, it could put their NCAA tournament seeding in jeopardy or potentially eliminate them from discussion entirely if the freefall continues.
Conversely, a dominant performance against Cincinnati could right the ship. Given the Bearcats’ record, this game is one the Cyclones should win on paper. A victory would help build confidence ahead of tougher upcoming games against ranked opponents like Baylor and Oklahoma.
Hilton Coliseum has been a fortress for the Cyclones, with raucous student sections and passionate local support. That home advantage could play a crucial role in energizing the players and giving them the mental edge they seemed to have lost on the road in recent weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is iowa state women’s basketball trending?
A: The Iowa State women’s basketball team is trending as fans search where to watch tonight’s game against Cincinnati. The Cyclones are trying to avoid a sixth consecutive loss after falling to Cincinnati earlier this month.
Q: What happens next?
A: If Iowa State wins, they’ll look to regain momentum entering the critical stretch of Big 12 play. A loss could cost them their AP Top 25 spot and hurt tournament chances.
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