Iowa vs Iowa State Preview: Cy-Hawk Rivalry Showdown at Hilton Coliseum

On Wednesday night, the Cy-Hawk rivalry takes center stage as the Iowa Hawkeyes head to Hilton Coliseum to face the Iowa State Cyclones. Two in-state powers collide in one of the most intense atmospheres in college basketball, and both teams enter the matchup with momentum.

Iowa State has been one of the most efficient and dominant teams in the country this season under T.J. Otzelberger. The Cyclones rank No. 2 nationally in KenPom defensive efficiency and are winning games by an average margin of 30 points. Offensively, they are led by junior forward Milan Momcilovic, who is averaging a team-high 18.3 points per game on 54.2 percent shooting. Defensively, they have been locked in all season, allowing just 64.6 points per game and holding former No. 1 Purdue to only 58 points.

On the other side, Iowa opened the season 7–0 and has been strong on both ends of the floor. The Hawkeyes are averaging 79.9 points per game while giving up just 62.6, a profile that mirrors the style of success Ben McCollum had last year at Drake. Bennett Stirtz leads the way with 18.8 points per game and has been their most reliable scoring option. Iowa comes into the rivalry confident, especially after its upset win over Purdue.

When matching these two teams up, Iowa State looks like the more complete and dominant group. Their balance, efficiency, and defensive pressure, paired with the energy of Hilton Coliseum, should give them the edge as the game progresses. Iowa has the pieces to stay competitive early, but the Cyclones’ two-way consistency gives them the edge.

Final Score Prediction: Iowa State 89, Iowa 64