Houston Cougars Face Off Against Iowa State Cyclones in Big 12 Matchup

Catch the top-ranked teams battle it out on the court on February 16th

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The No. 2 Houston Cougars will travel to take on the No. 6 Iowa State Cyclones in a highly anticipated Big 12 conference matchup on Monday, February 16th at 9 p.m. ET. Both teams are ranked in the top 10 nationally and are looking to extend their winning streaks in this clash of conference powerhouses.

Why it matters

This game features two of the best men's basketball teams in the country, with Houston and Iowa State both vying for a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The winner will gain an important edge in the Big 12 standings and potentially improve their positioning for the postseason.

The details

Houston enters the game with a 23-2 overall record and an 11-1 mark in Big 12 play, while Iowa State is 22-3 overall and 9-3 in conference. The Cougars are looking to extend a three-game road winning streak, while the Cyclones are aiming to protect their home court advantage. Oddsmakers have installed Iowa State as a slim favorite for the matchup.

  • The game will tip off at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Houston Cougars

The No. 2 ranked team in the country, the Houston Cougars are one of the top contenders for the Big 12 title and a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Iowa State Cyclones

The No. 6 ranked team in the nation, the Iowa State Cyclones are looking to defend their home court and solidify their position in the Big 12 standings.

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What they’re saying

“This is going to be a great game between two of the best teams in college basketball. Both Houston and Iowa State have had tremendous seasons so far, and this matchup will be a real test for both squads.”

— Jim Nantz, CBS Sports Analyst (CBS Sports)

The takeaway

This highly anticipated Big 12 clash between the Houston Cougars and Iowa State Cyclones will have major implications for both teams' postseason aspirations. Fans can expect an intense, high-level battle between two of the top programs in college basketball.