All of the non-conference games are officially out of the way now. Iowa State floundered to an 8-4 mark outside of the Big 12 after losing in Nashville on Saturday. If the Cyclones are to make their sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament, they’ll have to do so on the strength of their performance in the league, which while adequate to this point, lacks a signature win.
Winning tonight against West Virginia would go a long way to alleviating some fans’ concerns, especially with a road trip to Lawrence looming on Saturday. If they don’t come out victorious, odds are the Cyclones will be facing an absolute must win game at Texas on the heels of a three game losing streak a week from today.