Preview: Iowa State Cyclones at Texas Tech Lady Raiders

LUBBOCK, Texas (Interstat) — A surging Iowa State team faces its toughest Big 12 test yet when the 12th-ranked Cyclones visit the fifth-ranked Texas Tech Lady Raiders on Wednesday night at United Spirit Arena.

The matchup pits one of the nation’s hottest teams, Texas Tech (20-2), against an Iowa State squad (16-5) that has righted itself after a mid-January skid. The Lady Raiders, whose only losses since November came against BYU and Kansas State, are 9-0 at home this season. Iowa State has won two straight convincingly after dropping five of its previous six contests.

All eyes will be on a duel between two of the conference’s premier guards. Iowa State’s Jada Williams is coming off a spectacular 44-point, 8-assist performance in a win over Cincinnati on Jan. 21, followed by a 19-point, 7-assist effort in Saturday’s 90-65 rout of Arizona. Over her last eight games, the dynamic junior is averaging 19.1 points and 7.5 assists.

She will be matched by Texas Tech’s Snudda Collins, a consistent scoring force for the Lady Raiders. Collins dropped 28 points in just 24 minutes in a blowout win at Utah on Saturday. She has scored in double figures in nine of her last ten games, providing a reliable offensive anchor for a defensively stout Texas Tech squad that allows just 57.2 points per game.

The Cyclones’ offense, which averages 78.2 points, will challenge that defense. Alongside Williams, center Audi Crooks (17 points vs. Arizona) provides a potent inside presence. Texas Tech counters with balanced scoring behind Collins, including guard Bailey Maupin (15 points vs. Utah).

Iowa State seeks a statement road win to solidify its conference standing, while Texas Tech aims to protect its home court and maintain its position atop the Big 12. The outcome may hinge on whether the Cyclones’ high-powered backcourt can solve the Lady Raiders’ formidable defense.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST Wednesday.