Jan 15, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Darian DeVries coaches against the Houston Cougars in the first half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

The Iowa State Cyclones (15-1, 6-0) head to east for Saturday’s matchup against the West Virginia Mountaineers (12-4, 3-2) in Morgantown (4:00 p.m., ESPN+). 

With a 12-game winning streak—the longest active streak in the nation—and a perfect 5-0 start to conference play, Iowa State is asserting itself as one of the top teams in college basketball. Saturday’s road test presents a different challenge.

Iowa State has struggled historically in Morgantown, having won there only twice since West Virginia joined the Big 12. The Mountaineers, led by first-year head coach and former Drake Bulldog head coach Darian DeVries, boast an 8-1 home record so far this season.

Cyclones Riding High After Top 10 Win

The Cyclones are coming off a dominant performance against No. 9 Kansas on Wednesday night. T.J. Otzelberger’s squad closed the game on a 16-2 run, securing a 17-point victory and tying the 1944 team for the best start to conference play in school history. The win also marked the best 16-game start in program history.

Curtis Jones, Iowa State’s sixth man turned starter due to an injury to forward Milan Momcilovic, shined against Kansas, continuing his first team all-Big 12 campaign. The Big 12’s second-leading scorer has seven 20-point games this year and earned Big 12 Player of the Week honors earlier in the season. His ability to step up in big moments has been pivotal for the Cyclones especially late in games.

Key Contributors Stepping Up

Keshon Gilbert has also been a standout for Iowa State, leading the team in minutes and assists while averaging 15.5 points per game. Gilbert’s growth in his second year as a Cyclone earned him a spot on the Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch List.

Tamin Lipsey continues to anchor the team on both ends of the floor. Lipsey leads the team in steals and ranks second in assists. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses has made him a key this season.

Meanwhile, transfers Joshua Jefferson, Brandton Chatfield and Dishon Jackson have provided versatility and strength in the paint. Jefferson leads the team in rebounding and has earned four Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors, while Jackson’s shot-blocking and interior presence have been critical.

Mountaineers Pose a Threat

West Virginia returns home after splitting a two-game road trip, with a loss to No. 10 Houston and a win at Colorado. The Mountaineers have already defeated two top 10 teams this season, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level.

Javon Small, a transfer from Oklahoma State, leads West Virginia in scoring at 19.4 points per game and ranks among the nation’s top 25 scorers. His matchup against Iowa State’s backcourt will be one to watch.

With the absence of star guard Tucker DeVries, the Mountaineers have had a number of guys step up and contribute. Illinois transfer Amani Hansberry averages 10.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He is a stretch four that can knock down the three point ball at a high level. He is shooting 31.1% from behind the arc this season. 

Freshman Jonathan Powell is stepped in for DeVries in a big way. Like Hansberry, Powell can really shoot the ball. The 6-foot-6 guard is averaging 9.2 points per game and shooting an impressive 37.8% from three. In Big 12 play, Powell has made two or more threes in every game except one. 

Darian DeVries has quickly turned the Mountaineers into a competitive squad. Despite losing 97% of their scoring from last season, West Virginia’s defensive intensity has kept them in games, holding opponents to 64.3 points per contest.

Saturday’s game will be a battle of Iowa State’s high-powered offense against West Virginia’s stout defense. The Cyclones lead the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 85.4 points per game, while shooting an efficient 49.5% from the field. Conversely, West Virginia ranks 20th nationally in opponent field goal percentage, limiting teams to just 38.9% shooting from the field.

Iowa State and West Virginia will meet for the 25th time on Saturday, with the Mountaineers holding a 14-10 series advantage. West Virginia has dominated recent matchups in Morgantown, winning the last eight games.

A win in Morgantown would extend Iowa State’s winning streak and solidify its place atop the Big 12 standings. It would also bolster the Cyclones’ NCAA Tournament resume, as they continue to climb the national rankings, currently sitting at No. 5 in the NET and No. 4 in KenPom.