The rivalry between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones has long been a centerpiece of Big 12 basketball, drawing packed houses and fierce competition each season.
Iowa State will be without guard Killyan Toure for the upcoming matchup after he underwent shoulder surgery, a setback that removes one of the conference’s most reliable defensive presences from the lineup.
A Defensive Anchor Sidelined
Toure, a 6‑foot‑3 guard from Pamiers, France, started 37 games last season and posted averages of 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game, earning a reputation as one of the nation’s top defensive guards.
Rebuilding the Backcourt
The departure of Tamin Lipsey to the NBA left a void in the Cyclones’ backcourt, forcing the coaching staff to integrate fresh talent and rely on emerging players to fill the scoring and playmaking gaps.
First‑year head coach Ben McCollum, who took over the program with a promise of restoring Cy‑Hawk dominance, sees the injury as a test of his team’s resilience, but remains optimistic that the new roster can sustain momentum heading into the December 10 game in Iowa City.
Iowa State’s home record against the Hawkeyes stands at 31‑8, underscoring the importance of the contest for both programs as the Cyclones look to bounce back from recent setbacks and the Hawkeyes aim to capitalize on their recent surge.