When Iowa State takes the floor against Baylor, it will be a game the Cyclones won’t treat like any other.

The matchup on Wednesday night will be the second time this season No. 24 Iowa State (13-3, 4-2 Big 12) will take on No. 1 Baylor (16-1, 6-0 Big 12), and also the second game this season it will be facing the Lady Bears as the No. 1 team in the country.

Baylor defeated Iowa State 67-39 on Jan. 9 in Waco, Texas.

“It’s unique and it’s a great opportunity,” said ISU coach Bill Fennelly about taking on the No. 1 team in the nation. “It’s one of those games that everyone’s going to talk about. Especially at home, those are special moments … you don’t get to play the No. 1 team in the country very often.”

Since the beginning of the 2011-12 season, Baylor has compiled a record of 56-1 including a 40-0 record and national championship last season.

Forward Hallie Christofferson doesn’t see much of a difference in how Baylor plays in games but she does see an even more experienced team.

“Everybody gets a year older and has more experience on the floor,” Christofferson said. “[Center Brittney] Griner keeps getting better and [point guard Odyssey] Sims; if they don’t play well, then the others can step up, so they’re just a great team all around.”

Baylor has continued to develop its talent and play with a high level of confidence even after suffering an early season loss to No. 4 Stanford 71-69.

“You’re talking about four seniors who won a national championship last year and went undefeated and then Odyssey Sims, arguably the best point guard in the country,” Fennelly said. “They know how to play and they know how to win. No one’s been able to compete with them and it’s just one of those things where all the pieces are coming together.”

The Cyclones are returning home after a 29-point loss to Oklahoma State on the road, their largest margin of defeat this season, to take on the Lady Bears for the second time this season. Playing at home for this game will be a nice change of pace for Christofferson.

“I think the fans here at Hilton will definitely [be a factor] and being back at home and having that home atmosphere,” Christofferson said. “We just have to come out not scared and just keep our poise.”

Tipoff between Iowa State and Baylor will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum.