No. 7 Iowa State Prepares for Versatile Baylor Squad

Cyclones look to maintain momentum as they host Bears in Big 12 matchup

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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No. 7 Iowa State (20-2, 7-2 Big 12) is set to host Baylor (13-9, 3-7) on Saturday in Ames, Iowa. The Cyclones are coming off a dominant 95-61 road win over Kansas State and are focused on maintaining their consistency and mental focus as they push for a high NCAA Tournament seed. Baylor, meanwhile, is looking to bolster its tournament resume with an upset win over the Cyclones.

Why it matters

This Big 12 matchup features two teams heading in different directions. Iowa State is firmly in the hunt for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, while Baylor is fighting to stay on the bubble. A win for the Bears could be a major boost to their tournament hopes, while the Cyclones will look to continue their strong play and solidify their position as one of the nation's elite teams.

The details

Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent habits and mental focus, rather than buying into narratives about teams flipping a switch in February. The Cyclones are led by a balanced scoring attack, with five players scoring in double figures in their last game. Baylor, meanwhile, has improved its 3-point shooting and offensive rebounding since the teams' first meeting in January, which Iowa State won 70-60. The Bears will need their top scorers - Cameron Carr, Tounde Yessoufou, and Obi Agbim - to step up, especially with the status of senior guard Dan Skillings uncertain due to a knee injury.

  • Iowa State defeated Baylor 70-60 on January 7, 2026.
  • Baylor defeated Colorado 86-67 on February 5, 2026.

The players

T.J. Otzelberger

The head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball team.

Joshua Jefferson

A player for the Iowa State Cyclones who scored 19 points in their last game.

Cameron Carr

The leading scorer for the Baylor Bears, averaging 19.4 points per game.

Tounde Yessoufou

A Baylor Bears player who scored 27 points and hit 4 of 7 three-pointers in their last game against Colorado.

Dan Skillings

A senior guard for the Baylor Bears who missed their last game against Colorado due to a knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“I don't believe in any narratives about entering February. I think mental focus on what matters and consistency of habits is what wins out.”

— T.J. Otzelberger, Head Coach, Iowa State Cyclones (statenews.net)

“Baylor has a better understanding of who they are and how they are going to win games. They are a team of great versatility.”

— T.J. Otzelberger, Head Coach, Iowa State Cyclones (statenews.net)

“If you have three (players) that are going, it's really hard to stop a team. If you have one, it's easy to lock in on them, two as well. But those three guys especially can put up big numbers.”

— Scott Drew, Head Coach, Baylor Bears (statenews.net)

“I trust my teammates to find me and the coach's plan. I'm not out there trying to force it. Just play the game as it comes to me and play the right way.”

— Tounde Yessoufou, Player, Baylor Bears (statenews.net)

What’s next

The status of Baylor guard Dan Skillings' knee injury will be closely monitored leading up to the game against Iowa State. A decision on his availability is expected to be made closer to tipoff.

The takeaway

This matchup between two Big 12 foes showcases the importance of preparation and consistency as teams jockey for position in the conference and NCAA Tournament. Iowa State's focus on maintaining good habits could give them an edge, while Baylor will need its top scorers to step up to pull off the upset and boost its tournament resume.