Preview: Iowa State Cyclones at Colorado Buffaloes

BOULDER, Colo. (Interstat) — The Iowa State Cyclones aim to halt a three-game skid when they visit the Colorado Buffaloes in a Big 12 women’s basketball matchup Wednesday night at the Coors Events Center.

Iowa State (14-3, 2-3 Big 12) started the season 14-0 but has stumbled in conference play, with each loss by single digits. Their offense runs through sophomore center Audi Crooks, who is averaging 27.4 points and 9.2 rebounds over her last five games. She posted a 41-point effort against Kansas on Dec. 21 and a 35-point, 13-rebound performance at Houston. In Sunday’s 83-70 loss to West Virginia, Crooks recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Colorado (11-6, 2-3) has also lost two straight, including a 63-56 defeat at Oklahoma State on Sunday. The Buffaloes have relied on a balanced attack, with freshman guard Anaëlle Dutat providing consistency. Dutat is averaging 10.5 points and 6.0 rebounds over her last six contests and notched a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds in the loss to the Cowgirls.

The Cyclones’ recent struggles have highlighted defensive lapses, allowing an average of 75.3 points during their losing streak. Colorado, meanwhile, has struggled offensively in its losses, failing to reach 65 points in any of its six defeats this season.

This game marks the first meeting between the programs as Big 12 conference foes since Colorado departed the league in 2011. The Buffaloes will look to leverage their home court, where they are 8-2 this season, to hand the reeling Cyclones a fourth consecutive loss.

Iowa State’s supporting cast, including guards Sydney Harris and Jada Williams, who dished nine assists Sunday, will need to provide scoring relief for Crooks. Colorado will counter with forwards Logyn Greer and Jade Masogayo, who combined for 24 points in the team’s last outing.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST Wednesday. Iowa State travels to face Oklahoma State on Sunday, while Colorado visits UCF the same day.