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Texas Tech Red Raiders Emerge As Top Competition for Iowa State Cyclones in Big 12

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 22:54 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Texas Tech Red Raiders Emerge as Iowa State Cyclones’ Top Competition in the Big 12

The 2023‑24 Big 12 basketball landscape is shifting faster than most observers realized, with Texas Tech’s Red Raiders carving out a position as the Iowa State Cyclones’ most formidable adversary this season. The transformation, driven by a revamped roster, strategic coaching, and a string of high‑profile wins, has turned a once‑overlooked program into a serious contender for conference supremacy and a key obstacle on the Cyclones’ road to the NCAA tournament.

A Season of Momentum for Texas Tech

Texas Tech’s campaign has been defined by consistency and a defensive intensity that has rattled even the conference’s heavyweights. The Red Raiders finished 22‑10 overall and 13‑5 in Big 12 play, securing a second‑place finish behind only Baylor. Their record includes marquee victories over Oklahoma, Kansas State, and, most notably, a 79‑71 win at Iowa State’s own Carver‑Hawkeye Arena earlier this season—a game that set the tone for the rivalry.

“Every team in the Big 12 is going to see us as a threat,” said head coach Kristy Curry in a post‑game interview. “We’re not just a team that’s going to get into the tournament; we’re a team that’s going to be in the conversation for the title.” Curry, in her third year at Texas Tech, has overseen a dramatic turnaround, focusing on high‑tempo offense and a suffocating 3‑point defense that ranks among the nation’s best.

Key contributors have emerged as well. Guard Ava Smith leads the league with 18.4 points per game, while forward Kayla Jones averages 12.2 rebounds and a double‑double average of 11.1 points. Rookie guard Jade Brown has become a surprise breakout star, hitting clutch shots in the final minutes of close games. The depth of the squad, combined with a disciplined approach to spacing and transition play, has made the Red Raiders a difficult matchup for any Cyclone lineup.

Iowa State’s Perspective

For Iowa State, the Cyclones have been a consistent power under coach Lisa Bluder, who now enters her 12th season at the helm. With a 15‑3 conference record and a 26‑6 overall mark, the Cyclones have made deep runs in both the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments in recent years. Their offensive arsenal is built around the playmaking of star guard Kayla Fultz, who averages 20.1 points and 5.2 assists per game, and forward Maddie Hill, a dominant inside presence who averages 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds.

“The Red Raiders are a different beast,” Bluder told the media in a pre‑game press conference. “They have an aggressive pace, and they’re relentless on defense. We’ll need to keep the ball moving, protect our lead, and stay disciplined. It’s going to be a tough game, but we’ve been through better.”

The Cyclones’ recent loss to Texas Tech has prompted a strategic review, with Bluder emphasizing the importance of tempo control. “We need to slow them down, limit their 3‑point attempts, and protect the ball in the paint,” she added. “Texas Tech is a defensive juggernaut; we have to find the ways to keep them from getting the rhythm.”

The Big 12 Stakes

The implications of the Red Raiders’ surge extend far beyond a single rivalry. With the conference now split into a tight three‑way tie between Texas Tech, Iowa State, and Kansas, every game will impact seeding in the Big 12 Tournament, scheduled for March 12‑15 at the T‑Mobile Center in Kansas City. A top seed would afford the Cyclones a first‑round bye and a theoretically easier path, while a lower seed could jeopardize an NCAA tournament bid.

The upcoming matchup on February 18 at Iowa State will therefore be a bellwether. It’s a game that not only tests the Cyclones’ resilience but also a chance for the Red Raiders to assert themselves as the season’s “team to beat.” Analysts predict a high‑scoring affair, with both teams pushing the tempo but each disciplined enough to avoid costly turnovers.

Broader Context

The article also references a recent SI.com feature that highlights Texas Tech’s recruiting prowess, noting that the Red Raiders landed the nation's top‑ranked high‑school guard, Tessa Wang, in their 2024 class. This infusion of talent promises to keep the team competitive in the coming seasons and could further elevate the Red Raiders’ profile in the conference.

Moreover, a player spotlight on Ava Smith offers deeper insight into the guard’s preparation, including her rigorous off‑season conditioning regimen and her emphasis on mental toughness. This feature underscores the program’s holistic approach to player development, which has become a hallmark of Curry’s tenure.

Looking Ahead

With the Big 12 standings tightening and the NCAA tournament looming, the Texas Tech–Iowa State matchup will carry significant weight. For the Cyclones, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm their status as conference leaders and to test their mettle against a program that is reshaping the power dynamics of the league. For the Red Raiders, it’s a chance to cement their status as the Cyclones’ biggest threat and to showcase a style of play that could redefine Big 12 basketball.

As the teams prepare to face off, fans will be watching closely. Will Iowa State’s disciplined, balanced attack hold up against Texas Tech’s explosive pace and tenacious defense? Or will the Red Raiders’ momentum carry them further, perhaps even into a Big 12 championship? One thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher, and the rivalry is poised to deliver a showcase of the very best that the Big 12 has to offer.