AMES — Everyone knew this portion of Iowa State's basketball schedule would be brutal. Now that the Cyclones are here, it's been confirmed. Saturday was a reminder of just how tough this spot is.
kA 5:ClQ=ECQmkDA2?m}@] `e %6I2D %649 362E }@] c x$& ga\fb] xE :D x$&’D Wac\d @G6C2==[ ``\d q:8 `aX 7:CDE =@DD 2E 9@>6 E9:D D62D@?] k^DA2?mk^Am
Texas Tech forward Lejuan Watts (3) shoots over Iowa State forward Blake Buchanan (23) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie Neibergall
Iowa State guard Killyan Toure, center, passes between Texas Tech forward Lejuan Watts (3), guard Jaylen Petty and forward Luke Bamgboye, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie Neibergall
Ben Hutchens is an Iowa State University beat writer for the Lee Enterprises network. Follow him on X or send him an email at Ben.Hutchens@lee.net.
Texas Tech forward Lejuan Watts (3) shoots over Iowa State forward Blake Buchanan (23) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa State guard Killyan Toure, center, passes between Texas Tech forward Lejuan Watts (3), guard Jaylen Petty and forward Luke Bamgboye, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)