AMES, Iowa (Interstat) — The Iowa State Cyclones will seek to avenge a recent loss and halt a five-game skid when they host the Cincinnati Bearcats in a Big 12 women’s basketball matchup Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum.

The Jan. 7 meeting in Cincinnati saw the Bearcats (7-12, 2-4 Big 12) pull off a 71-63 victory, handing the then-Cyclones a critical conference defeat. Since that game, Iowa State (14-5, 1-5) has dropped four more, including an 86-58 road loss to Oklahoma State on Sunday. Cincinnati has split its last two, falling to West Virginia 84-76 on Sunday after an overtime win at UCF.

Iowa State’s struggles are stark for a team that opened the season 13-0. The Cyclones will lean on guard Jada Williams, who is coming off a 15-point, 7-assist performance against Oklahoma State and scored 13 with 7 assists in the first meeting with Cincinnati. Center Audi Crooks, who had 15 points and 7 rebounds Sunday, remains a consistent interior force.

For Cincinnati, guard Reagan Jackson will be a focal point after posting 11 points and 6 assists against West Virginia. In the Jan. 7 win over Iowa State, Jackson contributed 8 points. Support from players like Mya Perry, who scored 18 points Sunday, will be vital for the Bearcats to secure a rare road conference win.

The Cyclones’ defense, which allowed an average of 79.2 points during their losing streak, must improve against a Cincinnati team that scored efficiently in the first matchup. Iowa State’s home record (9-1) provides a clear advantage, but reversing their recent fortunes requires solving the Bearcats’ scheme for a second time.

Wednesday’s contest is the first of a challenging two-game homestand for Iowa State, which hosts Arizona on Saturday. Cincinnati continues a tough stretch, visiting Houston on Feb. 1 after a home game against Arizona State this weekend.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST at Hilton Coliseum.